The Brains of Long-Term Yogis

Researchers compared brain images of 21 female yoga practitioners aged 60 and older with a control group. The yogis had thicker left prefrontal cortexes, an area that normally thins over time, leading to impaired memory and attention. The women had practiced yoga for an average of 8 years.

The prefrontal cortex governs executive function, planning, and working memory. Its thinning is one of the most reliable markers of cognitive aging. The finding that long-term yoga practice is associated with a thicker cortex suggests the concentration required during practice may serve as a form of cognitive preservation. Researchers concluded that the longer you practice yoga, the more you protect your brain.

An additional review found yoga may alter DNA and reduce inflammation, with a positive impact on the stress response and disease prevention.

Source: Yoga Research: Brain Structure & Function on ashtanga.tech. Original research.