By Admin 
Yoga Benefits For Brain Health: Every year on 21st June the whole world celebrates International Yoga Day. The United Nations recognized it as an official international day in December 2014 on India’s proposal. This year the theme of Yoga Day has been kept as Yoga for healthy ageing. The interesting thing is that this time this theme seems to be getting strengthened not only through a message but also through scientific research.
In which diseases is yoga beneficial?
Researchers at Delhi-based AIIMS have recently found in a study that regular yoga practice can be beneficial for patients in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. This research published in Alzheimer’s Disease Journal has been done jointly by the Department of Anatomy and Neurology of AIIMS. Patients suffering from mild Alzheimer’s were included in the study. These participants performed supervised yoga sessions for 60 minutes daily for 12 weeks. At the beginning and end of the research, their mental abilities, symptoms of depression and the evolution of the composition of bacteria present in their intestines were measured.
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What changed by doing yoga?
The results showed positive changes at all three levels. Based on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, improvement in the cognitive ability of patients was recorded. There was also a significant reduction in the symptoms of depression measured by the PHQ-9 scale. The most interesting change was seen in the intestinal microbiome. The number of beneficial bacteria like Fasolibacterium prausnitzii, Roseburia intestinalis, Bifidobacterium and Akkermansia increased after the yoga program. These bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids, which have been linked to reduced inflammation and better brain and gut health. On the other hand, a decrease was recorded in inflammatory microbiomes like Collinsella aerofaciens and Klebsiella.
Whose role is behind this?
Experts believe that the gut-brain axis can play an important role behind this. Many studies conducted in the last few years have revealed that the bacteria present in the intestines not only affect the immune system and inflammation, but can also affect the functioning of the brain. Dr. Reema Dada, professor in the Department of Anatomy at AIIMS and lead researcher of the study, says that this study gives initial indications that lifestyle-based activities like yoga can help in creating a healthy microbiome environment in the intestines. According to them, the increase in beneficial bacteria and decrease in harmful microbiome may be linked to biological processes that improve brain health.
Is yoga a cure for Alzheimer’s?
Meanwhile, Dr. Manjari Tripathi, head of the Neurology Department of AIIMS Delhi, clarified that yoga cannot be considered a cure for Alzheimer’s. However, it may prove useful as an adjunctive therapy for early-stage patients and those with mild cognitive impairment. He said that the study has recorded positive changes in mental ability, mood and intestinal microbial community. However, the researcher has also admitted that the study sample was small and it cannot be considered as a final conclusion.
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Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.
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