Effect of 8 Weeks of MBSR Training on Neuroplasticity and Improvement of Attention, Memory and Well-Being

Meditation improves attention and memory by reducing of the increased electric brain activity induced by a high stress level. This is associated to neuroplastic changes (volume reduction and/or neuron's density increases) in various brain structures. The question evolves if memory improvement by a standardized meditation program of 8 weeks (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction MBSR) or a specific memory training (My Brain Training MBT) is a specific effect on brain networking or mediated by a reduced general activity induced by stress reduction. Thus, meditation or memory training should have differing neuroplastic effects. The effects of memory function improvement by the respective training will be measured by MAT, a specific and validated computerized memory and attention test. Brain morphology is investigated by voxel based morphometry NMR before and immediately after an 8 weeks intervention period. Stress levels are measured by cortisol profiles of subjects. Compared were 4 groups- "MBSR" group- MBSR students after completed training, passive "control" group- subjects following an 8 weeks waiting period for the MBSR training without any memory training, active control "MBT" group- subjects on an 8 weeks waiting period for the MBSR training doing an 8 weeks MBT memory training instead, "Wellness" group - doing a structured program using relaxing massage and calming computerized chair ("Brain Light"). The hypothesis of the study is that MBSR improves memory function better than MBT when measured by MAT. Compared to both active and passive controls, MBSR training induces specific morphologic changes in the brain, indicated by a volume change of the voxel based morphometry method of 5% of a defined brain region. In comparison to smaller and less neuroplasticity induced by MBT on memory brain regions, MBSR induces greater volume changes on hippocampus and amygdala and stress reduction than the wellness program.