Breathing your way to a sharper mind? new study tests combo therapy for memory loss

NCT ID NCT04522791

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether adding slow, paced breathing exercises to computer-based brain training could improve thinking skills and slow dementia in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Over 8 weeks, 113 participants either did both breathing and brain training, brain training with relaxation, or just relaxation. Researchers measured changes in heart rate, brain function, and daily living skills over 14 months. The goal was to see if calming the nervous system helps the brain learn better and delay decline.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

resonance frequency breathing training

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a non-drug method to slow memory decline and delay dementia in older adults with mild cognitive impairment.

What could go wrong

This is an early-stage trial with only 113 participants, so results may not apply widely. The intervention is complex and requires daily practice, which may be hard to maintain.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Alzheimer disease Cognitive Dysfunction

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Feng Lin

    Rochester, New York, 14642-0001, United States