Open AccessThe Age‐Well randomized controlled trial of the Medit‐Ageing European project: Effect of meditation or foreign language training on brain and mental health in older adults
Author(s) -
Poisnel Géraldine,
ArenazaUrquijo Eider,
Collette Fabienne,
Klimecki Olga M.,
Marchant Natalie L.,
Wirth Miranka,
La Sayette Vincent,
Rauchs Géraldine,
Salmon Eric,
Vuilleumier Patrik,
Frison Eric,
Maillard Aline,
Vivien Denis,
Lutz Antoine,
Chételat Gaël
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
alzheimer's and dementia: translational research and clinical interventions
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.49
H-Index - 30
ISSN - 2352-8737
DOI - 10.1016/j.trci.2018.10.011
Subject(s) - meditation , randomized controlled trial , intervention (counseling) , cognition , psychological intervention , mental health , cognitive training , medicine , psychology , clinical psychology , psychiatry , philosophy , theology , surgery
The Age‐Well clinical trial is an ongoing monocentric, randomized, controlled trial aiming to assess an 18‐month preventive meditation‐based intervention directly targeting the attentional and emotional dimensions of aging to promote mental health and well‐being in elderly people. Methods One hundred thirty‐seven cognitively unimpaired older adults are randomized to either an 18‐month meditation‐based intervention, a structurally matched foreign language training, or a passive control arm. The impact of the intervention and underlying mechanisms are assessed with detailed cognitive, behavioral, biological, neuroimaging and sleep examinations. Results Recruitment began in late 2016 and ended in May 2018. The interventions are ongoing and will be completed by early 2020. Discussion This is the first trial addressing the emotional and cognitive dimension of aging with a long‐term nonpharmacological approach and using comprehensive assessments to investigate the mechanisms. Results are expected to foster the development of preventive strategies reducing the negative impact of mental conditions and disorders.