Scientists scan brains to see how mind tricks ease pain in seniors

This study aims to understand how two common mind-based techniques—mindfulness meditation and therapeutic hypnosis—help reduce chronic pain in adults aged 60 and older. Researchers will use brain scans (fMRI and EEG) and surveys to see what changes in the brain when people use these techniques and to figure out which approach works best for different individuals. Participants will be randomly assigned to learn one of the techniques or to a story-listening control group over about four weeks.