Reducing Risk for Alzheimer's Disease in High-Risk Women Through Yogic Meditation Training

Overall, the investigators anticipate recruiting 100 women (50 or older) with MCI and high
Alzheimer's disease risk. Subjects will either receive: (1) MET class for 60 minutes per
week; or (2) Kundalini yoga and "Kirtan Kriya" meditation class for 60 minutes per week.
Assessments will be completed immediately after the interventions at 6 and 12 weeks and
follow-up visits at week 24 and 48 to monitor the overall benefit of the intervention.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Amnestic MCI, as defined by a Clinical Dementia Rating Scale score of .5.

2. High cardiovascular risk defined as at least one of the following:

- 7.5 percentile risk or higher using ASCVD risk calculator

- Myocardial Infarction more than 6 months ago

- Diabetes

- Taking medication for blood pressure > 140/90 blood pressure

- Taking medication for lyperlipidemia LDL >160

3. Sufficient English proficiency and the 8th grade or higher reading level as determined
by the word reading subtest of the Wide Range Achievement Test-IV (this criterion is
necessary in order to ensure ability to participate in MET, which involves reading and
writing and has a Flesch-Kinkaid school equivalency of 7th grade)

4. Capacity to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

1. History of psychosis, bipolar disorder, alcohol/ drug dependence, or neurological
disorder

2. Recent (within three months) surgery, anticipated surgery within next year, or
unstable medical condition

3. Any disability preventing participation in MET or KK+KY (e.g., severe visual or
hearing impairment)

4. Insufficient English proficiency to participate in either MET or KK+KY

5. Diagnosis of dementia

6. Mini Mental Health Examination score of 23 or below

7. Currently taking any psychoactive medication

8. Participation in a psychotherapy that involves cognitive training

9. Practice of Kundalini Yoga or Kirtan Kriya within the past year

10. Myocardial Infarction within the past 6 months