Mindfulness meditation for improving cognition in older adults

Mechanisms of Mindfulness for Cognition in Early-Stage Alzheimer's Disease

Not applicable Interventional VA Boston Healthcare System · NCT06792877

This study is testing whether mindfulness meditation can help older adults, including those with mild cognitive impairment, improve their thinking, memory, and overall quality of life.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages50 Years to 100 Years
SexAll
SponsorVA Boston Healthcare System Federal
Locations1 site (Boston, Massachusetts)
Trial IDNCT06792877 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to investigate the effects of mindfulness meditation on cognitive outcomes in older adults, including those with mild cognitive impairment and healthy elderly individuals. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a mindfulness intervention group or a waitlist control group, allowing researchers to compare cognitive performance, brain function, and quality of life between the two groups. The study seeks to determine how mindfulness practices can influence thinking, memory, and daily functioning in this population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include older adults with mild cognitive impairment or healthy elderly individuals who meet specific cognitive performance criteria.

Not a fit: Patients with moderate dementia, severe mood disorders, or other significant medical conditions affecting cognition may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could enhance cognitive function and quality of life for older adults, particularly those experiencing mild cognitive impairment.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for mindfulness interventions in improving cognitive function, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Healthy older adults will show cognitive performance within 1.0 SD for age \& education adjusted norms on a neuropsychological test battery
* Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) participants will show performance on delayed recall or one more or more other cognitive domains worse than 1.5 SD for age \& education adjusted norms, an MMSE score between 25-30, and a MoCA score between 20-30.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Participants without a computer, smart phone and internet access will be excluded
* If they cannot understand the informed consent form or have moderate dementia.
* Mood disorders (e.g., PTSD, depression, anxiety) or alcohol and drug use that either interferes with day-to-day life or required hospitalization within the past 5 years
* Cerebrovascular disease
* Any medical condition whose severity could significantly impair cognition (e.g., stroke, frontotermporal dementia, Parkinson's disease) are exclusionary

Where this trial is running

Boston, Massachusetts

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Mild Cognitive ImpairmentMild Cognitive Impairment Due to Alzheimer's DiseaseTBIAgingHealthy ElderlyAlzheimer&AmpAmp#39
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.