A pilot study from the Harvard Medical School indicates yet another benefit of meditation. The researchers tested 14 people with mild cognitive impairment, which often leads to Alzheimer’s disease, and provided them with either Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction training or standard care.

Brain imaging tests indicated that those engaged in meditative training had increased activity and connections among three areas of the brain—the posterior cingulate cortex, medial prefrontal cortex and left hippocampus. Although larger studies are needed, study authors conclude, “These preliminary results indicate that in adults with mild cognitive impairment, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction therapy may have a positive impact on the regions of the brain most related to mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease.”