A randomized clinical trial reveals effects of mindfulness and slow breathing on plasma amyloid beta levels

Prior research suggests that meditation may slow brain aging and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, we lack research systematically examining what aspect(s) of meditation may drive such benefits. In particular, it is unknown how breathing patterns during meditation might influence health outcomes associated with AD. In this study, we examined whether two types of mindfulness meditation practice - one with slow breathing and one with normal breathing – differently affect plasma amyloid beta (Aβ) relative to a no-intervention control group. One week of daily mindfulness practice with slow breathing decreased plasma Aβ levels whereas one week of daily mindfulness practice with normal breathing increased plasma Aβ levels. The no-intervention control group showed no changes in plasma Aβ levels. Slow breathing appears to be a factor through which meditative practices can influence pathways relevant for AD. Conflicts of interest: All authors declare no conflicts of interest. Funding: This study was supported by Epstein Breakthrough Alzheimer’s Research Fund (PI: Mather, co-PI: Choupan) and by R01AG080652 (PI: Mather). Artificial intelligence: No artificial intelligence assisted technologies were used in this research or the creation of this article. Ethics: This research received approval from the University of Southern California Institutional Review Board (ID: UP-23-00373).