Meditation experience is associated with increased cortical thickness

This study found that long-term meditation practice is linked to increased cortical thickness in brain areas related to attention, sensory processing, and emotional regulation, such as the prefrontal cortex and insula. MRI scans of experienced meditators revealed these structural differences compared to non-meditators, suggesting meditation enhances brain plasticity. Notably, meditation appeared to slow age-related cortical thinning in older individuals, supporting its role in preserving cognitive health and emotional well-being over time.

Regular meditation practice, focusing on mindfulness or Insight techniques, can help enhance brain structure and potentially slow cognitive decline. Aim for daily sessions of 20–40 minutes to strengthen areas linked to attention and emotional regulation. While this study supports meditation's structural benefits, its cross-sectional design highlights the need for further longitudinal research. Pair meditation with other brain-healthy habits for comprehensive cognitive care.