Growing research is exploring the role yoga may play in supporting cognitive function, emotional wellbeing, physical function and healthy ageing. By combining movement with breathing, meditation and relaxation, yoga provides a mind-body approach that engages both physical and cognitive processes.

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Research involving older adults has examined outcomes including memory, attention, executive function, balance, mobility, mood and quality of life. Systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials suggest that yoga-based interventions may offer benefits for some aspects of cognitive and psychological wellbeing, although studies vary considerably in their methods and further high-quality research is needed. 

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Kundalini Yoga has attracted particular research interest in relation to cognitive ageing. It combines physical postures and movement with breathing practices, meditation, focused attention and relaxation, creating a multidimensional mind-body practice.

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A randomized controlled trial involving adults aged 55 and over with mild cognitive impairment compared a 12-week Kundalini Yoga programme with memory enhancement training. Both groups improved in memory, while the Kundalini Yoga group also showed improvements in executive functioning, depressive symptoms and resilience. The researchers concluded that the findings were encouraging but required confirmation in further clinical trials. 

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More recent research has continued to investigate Kundalini Yoga in adults experiencing mild cognitive impairment or subjective cognitive decline. A 2024 systematic review of randomized controlled trials reported promising findings across memory, executive function, mood and several neurobiological measures, while also highlighting the relatively small evidence base and the need for continued research. 

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Research has also examined yoga more broadly among people with mild cognitive impairment and dementia. A 2023 systematic review found that most of the included studies reported improvements in areas such as cognition, mood and balance, but all studies had a high risk of bias. The authors therefore described yoga as a potentially beneficial complementary approach while emphasizing the need for larger, higher-quality randomized controlled trials. 

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Yoga should not be presented as a treatment or cure for neurological conditions. Rather, current research suggests that it may have a role as a complementary wellbeing practice supporting aspects of cognitive, physical and emotional health. Within a broader healthy-ageing approach, yoga can sit alongside physical activity, good nutrition, social connection, restorative practices and other healthy lifestyle behaviors.

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