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Potential Mechanisms of Influence Between Spiritual Practices and Cognitive Health: A Systematic Review and
Katherine Carroll Britt1, Hayoung Oh2, Augustine Cassis Obeng Boateng3
1College of Nursing, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
Brain Sciences
|December 24, 2025
Summary
Spiritual practices may enhance cognitive health by reducing inflammation and improving immune response. Further research is needed to confirm these mechanisms and long-term effects.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- The relationship between spiritual practices and cognitive health is an emerging area of research.
- Understanding the underlying mechanisms is crucial for developing interventions.
- Existing evidence suggests a potential link, but mechanisms remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and synthesize evidence on the mechanisms linking spiritual practices to cognitive health in adults.
- To identify potential psychosocial, behavioral, and neurobiological pathways.
- To inform the development of a conceptual model for future research.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of six electronic databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase, Sociological Abstracts, ATLA, CINAHL) from January 2000 to December 2025.
- Inclusion of 34 studies meeting Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria.
- Quality assessment using the Mixed Methods Appraisal tool.
Main Results:
- Short- and medium-term positive effects of diverse spiritual practices (meditation, yoga, tai chi, religious activities) on cognitive health were observed.
- Neurobiological factors, including reduced inflammation and improved immune response, were identified as key explanatory mechanisms.
- Randomized controlled trials (73%) indicated better cognitive health in more spiritually active individuals.
Conclusions:
- Mental health and neurobiological factors are potential mechanisms through which spiritual practices influence cognition.
- The findings support the development of a conceptual model for testing.
- More rigorous, long-term studies are required to establish causality and elucidate mechanisms definitively.
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