Mindfulness-based Interventions for Healthy Aging: Elucidating Neural Mechanisms of Focused Attention and Open Monitoring

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PROJECT SUMMARY The proposed research training plan uses a multimodal EEG/fMRI approach to elucidate the psychotherapeutic mechanisms of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) for older adults. Although MBIs have demonstrated promise for addressing the mental health needs of a rapidly aging population, very little is known about how exactly MBIs work in the elderly. The long-term objective of this proposal is therefore to fill this dearth of knowledge in service of advancing the clinical and basic science of healthy aging. Toward this end, the focus of the project is to examine how the development of focused attention (FA) and open monitoring (OM)—MBI- specific skills trained through meditative practice—influence neurobehavioral measures of emotion regulation and cognitive control as a function of older adult participation in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). Prospective participants and data for this project will come from the longitudinal Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Healthy Education and Exercise (MEDEX; R01 AG049369) study. Rather than evaluating outcome measures pre-post MBSR, the proposed research will innovatively leverage the MEDEX parent sample by comparing FA/OM practice in older adult participants whom completed MBSR relative to controls. The study will be one of the first to rigorously investigate how neural activity during FA and OM meditation relates to “off-the- cushion” target measures of emotion regulation and cognitive control. Moreover, training in fMRI and network neuroscience will be used to elucidate the effects of MBSR on intrinsic brain connectivity and test whether MBSR- related changes in network connectivity can predict FA/OM meditation quality and degree of psychotherapeutic benefit. The training component of the project is grounded on three goals: (1) develop proficiency in cutting-edge fMRI techniques and data science programming; (2) acquire the requisite skills to conduct mindfulness-based intervention research for older adults; (3) pursue interdisciplinary collaborations to advance research at the intersection of aging and contemplative science. The training will be completed over three years via an intensive program of direct mentoring, coursework, and workshops in relevant analytic techniques. Furthermore, there will be hands-on immersion in conducting research with older adults, and research collaboration with eminent scholars in the fields of aging and development, cognitive neuroscience, clinical psychology, and contemplative science. Completion of the proposed research and training could mitigate age-related cognitive decline and emotional disorders by tailoring existing MBIs to optimize benefit for older adults, leading to a healthier aging population.