Mindfulness Training in Healthy Older Veterans

The expansion of the aging Veteran population, in addition to the frequent presence of
comorbidities (e.g., PTSD and TBI) that exacerbate age-associated cognitive and health
declines, has generated substantial interest in interventions that promote brain health in
older Veterans. A growing body of evidence shows the positive effects of Brain Health &
Wellness classes on brain health in younger and middle-aged adults, thus training might be
able to enhance brain health in older Veterans and offset age-related declines. Such training
holds particular promise in enhancing areas of cognition that are especially susceptible to
aging processes (e.g. attention and executive control), potentially through multiple
mechanistic pathways. It is in many respects a cognitive exercise and may strengthen neural
networks involved in such processes. Additionally, there is evidence for further facilitating
brain health in other ways related to, for instance, altering the stress response. Currently,
there is little information regarding the potential brain health benefits in older adults. As
a first step to understanding these potential beneficial effects in Veterans, the aim of the
proposed pilot study is to evaluate the acceptability, feasibility and potential efficacy of
two Brain Health & Wellness classes in healthy older Veterans through a randomized,
controlled trial.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Subjects will be Veterans age 50-85

Exclusion Criteria:

- moderate or severe TBI

- active alcohol or drug dependence or abuse by DSM-5 criteria (within previous 30 days)

- positive urine drug screen for illicit substances

- history of schizophrenia

- ADHD

- learning disability

- dementia

- Mild Cognitive Impairment and/or other psychiatric disturbances not including PTSD
and/or depression

- participants with a history of psychiatric hospitalization (last five years)

- suicide attempt (last five years)

- imminent risk for suicidal or homicidal behavior, or severe medical illness requiring
treatment will be excluded

- subjects with a history of neurological diagnosis, e.g.,:

- brain tumor

- clinical stroke

- seizure

- Mini-Mental Status Exam score below 19 (suggesting moderate/severe cognitive
impairment, a contraindication to MBSR participation) will be excluded