Multiple research studies point to chronic stress as a significant contributor to cognitive decline, including Alzheimer’s disease. As such, interventions focused on mitigating stress and enhancing emotional and mental well-being may help to preserve our cognitive faculties as we age. While breakthroughs in treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s remain somewhat elusive, an earlier study titled “Precision Medicine Approach to Alzheimer’s Disease: Successful Pilot Project” also utilized HeartMath HRV coherence biofeedback (Inner Balance™ Trainer portable technology) for participants to manage stress as part of their intervention. This study, published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease in 2022, also reported promising results, including a reduction of Alzheimer’s disease symptoms.
HeartMath Institute has had an ongoing focus on optimal functioning research since its founding more than three decades ago. In the 1990s, HeartMath researchers made an important discovery: Intentionally invoking positive emotions is one of the fastest and most effective ways to reduce unhealthy stress. Emotions such as appreciation, care, compassion, and love have been shown to increase heart coherence, lower stress, and enhance cognitive functions, including memory and focus. HeartMath’s tools to increase heart coherence have also been found to help improve memory.
“Research has shown that sustained positive emotions lead to a highly efficient and regenerative functional mode associated with increased coherence in heart-rhythm patterns and greater synchronization between and harmony heart and brain and among physiological systems,” McCraty wrote. For more understanding, see Heart Rhythm Coherence – An Emerging Area of Biofeedback.