Perhaps the most intriguing ability of meditation is its power to decelerate the negative effects of ageing and its ability to combat age-related neurodegenerative diseases . These diseases include Alzheimer ’ s disease , Parkinson ’ s disease , and Huntington ’ s disease . Neurodegenerative diseases , and ageing in general , cause a decline in ‘ grey matter ’ in the brain , known as grey matter atrophy . Grey matter makes up the cortex ( the outer layer of the brain ) and controls vital functions of our body such as our emotions , sensory perception , and memory . Nearly all studies investigating the brain in combination with meditation have found that regular meditation from a young age seems to slow down age-related atrophy and can preserve grey matter , keeping you mentally fit for a longer time . In fact , the deceleration of grey matter atrophy has been observed in people who meditate regularly , particularly in the hippocampus and the cerebellum , regions of the brain where Alzheimer ’ s and Parkinson ’ s disease take place . Overall , there is strong evidence suggesting that neurodegenerative diseases and the effects of ageing can be prevented or delayed through mindfulness practice and meditation ..
So , is meditation a waste of time or a miracle drug ? Although the promise of unparalleled benefits may be in the distant future , its positive neurological benefits should not be discounted , as well as the improvements in your mental capabilities and hence your physical and psychological well-being . Although there may be no direct path to perfect health , meditation surely is a step in the right direction !
‘ So , is meditation a waste of time or a miracle drug ?
Although there may be no direct path to the perfect health , meditation surely is a step in the right direction ’
Lilli Ganzer