Yoga And Memory: Yoga Improves Memory Way Better Than Brain Training Activities

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By Sno-Ann Digon , Parent Herald May 14, 05:37 am

If you're wondering how to improve memory, then better introduce yourself to yoga. A new study suggests that yoga can improve your memory better than indulging in brain training activities.

Yoga Improves Verbal And Visual-Spatial Memory

A study conducted by researchers from the University of California and the University of Adelaide found that engaging in yoga is said to be more eiffective at enhancing memory compared to brain training. Some areas that yoga improved were verbal memory and visual-spatial memory. It also helped reduce symptoms related to depression and anxiety.

According to Huffington Post, the study involved 25 adults who are already 55 years old or more. These individuals were suffering from memory and thinking problems and also had mild cognitive problems.

Yoga For Three Months

Some of these individuals were expose to brain training exercises for three months while some of them were asked to engage in yoga. After the 3-month period, it was found that both groups enjoyed improvement in their verbal memory. This is the type of memory used in recalling names and places, said Live Science.

However, the group who engaged in yoga was shown to have further improved other aspects of their memory. Aside from their verbal memory, they also improved their visual-spatial memory, used to recall locations and directions.

Reduced Depression Symptoms

The group who practiced yoga also noticed a reduction in depression symptoms. Their levels of anxiety have also lowered after the 3-month test period.

"Historically and anecdotally, yoga has been thought to be beneficial in aging well, but this is the scientific demonstration of that benefit," according to Harris Eyre, a co-author of the study. He added that they are converting wisdom derived historically, into something more evidentiary, so that doctors may recommend yoga as a therapy to their patients.

Although this new study is considered small when looking at the number of participants, it still holds a promise and a more concrete link between yoga and memory. For those want to know how to improve memory, engaging in yoga might be the answer.