Reducing Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease in High-Risk Women Through Yogic Meditation Training
Sponsor:
Brief Summary:
(KK) yogic meditation is superior to Memory Enhancement Training (MET) for improving
cognitive functioning, health (including cardiovascular factors), and mood in women with high
AD risk.
Criteria
1. Amnestic MCI, as defined by a Clinical Dementia Rating Scale score of .5.
2. High cardiovascular risk defined as at least one of the following:
– 7.5 percentile risk or higher using ASCVD risk calculator
– Myocardial Infarction more than 6 months ago
– Diabetes
– Taking medication for blood pressure > 140/90 blood pressure
– Taking medication for lyperlipidemia LDL >160
3. Sufficient English proficiency and the 8th grade or higher reading level as determined
by the word reading subtest of the Wide Range Achievement Test-IV (this criterion is
necessary in order to ensure ability to participate in MET, which involves reading and
writing and has a Flesch-Kinkaid school equivalency of 7th grade)
4. Capacity to provide informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
1. History of psychosis, bipolar disorder, alcohol/ drug dependence, or neurological
disorder
2. Recent (within three months) surgery, anticipated surgery within next year, or
unstable medical condition
3. Any disability preventing participation in MET or KK+KY (e.g., severe visual or
hearing impairment)
4. Insufficient English proficiency to participate in either MET or KK+KY
5. Diagnosis of dementia
6. Mini Mental Health Examination score of 23 or below
7. Currently taking any psychoactive medication
8. Participation in a psychotherapy that involves cognitive training
9. Practice of Kundalini Yoga or Kirtan Kriya within the past year
10. Myocardial Infarction within the past 6 months
Locations
- UCLA Semel Institute, Los Angeles, California, United States, 90095