Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 7, 2026

Orienteering as a Tool for Cognitive Research: An Implementation Guide
Published on: November 29, 2024
Yoga increases the volume of the hippocampus in elderly subjects
V R Hariprasad1, S Varambally, V Shivakumar
1Department of Psychiatry, Advanced Centre for Yoga in Mental Health and Neurosciences, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
Context:
The neurobiological effect of yoga on the cortical structures in the elderly is as yet unknown.
Materials And Methods:
Seven healthy elderly subjects received yoga intervention as an add-on life-style practice. Magnetic resonance imaging scans were obtained before and 6 months later. Voxel-based-morphometric analyses compared the brains before and after the yoga.
Results:
Yoga group was found to have increases in hippocampal, but not in occipital gray matter.
Conclusion:
Yoga has potential to reduce neuro-senescence. Small sample size and absence of the control group prevent generalization of the findings limiting its translational value.
Related Concept Videos
Role of Hippocampus in Memory
Cognitive Development During Adulthood
Pharmacodynamics in Geriatric Patients: Effects of Age
The Effect of Aging on Tissues
Neuroplasticity
Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Distribution

