Does mindfulness meditation affect memory?
Table of Contents
Yes, mindfulness meditation does affect memory. Here’s how:
1. Improves Working Memory:
Working memory is the short-term memory that a person uses on a daily basis. It is crucial for reasoning and the guidance of decision-making and behavior. Studies have shown that mindfulness meditation can improve working memory capacity.
– A study published in the “Journal of Cognitive Enhancement” in 2018 showed that mindfulness meditation could improve working memory capacity in adolescents.
2. Enhances Long-Term Memory:
Long-term memory is the final stage of the dual memory model proposed by Atkinson and Shiffrin, where data can be stored for long periods.
– A 2013 study published in “Psychological Science” found that mindfulness training improved both working memory and long-term memory.
3. Boosts Recall Ability:
Recall in memory refers to the mental process of retrieval of information from the past. Mindfulness meditation can improve recall ability.
– A 2015 study published in “Mindfulness” found that mindfulness meditation improved recall ability in older adults.
4. Reduces Memory Decline:
As people age, they often experience memory decline. However, mindfulness meditation can help slow this process.
– A 2018 study published in “Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease” found that mindfulness meditation could slow memory decline in adults with mild cognitive impairment.
5. Improves Episodic Memory:
Episodic memory is the memory of autobiographical events. Research has shown that mindfulness meditation can improve episodic memory.
– A 2016 study published in “Journal of Cognitive Enhancement” found that mindfulness meditation improved episodic memory in older adults.
6. Reduces Memory Distortions:
Memory distortions are changes or inaccuracies in a person’s memory of an event or experience. Mindfulness meditation can help reduce these distortions.
– A 2015 study published in “Psychological Science” found that mindfulness meditation reduced memory distortions.
In conclusion, mindfulness meditation has a positive effect on various aspects of memory, including working memory, long-term memory, recall ability, memory decline, episodic memory, and memory distortions.
