Effects of meditation and mindfulness practice on the modulation of neuroplasticity and cognitive ability

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of meditation and mindfulness on neuroplasticity and human cognition.Methods: This is an integrative literature review, conducted according to the steps proposed by Mendes, Silveira, and Galvo (2008).The search was performed in the PubMed database, using the strategy ((meditation) OR (mindfulness)) AND ((neuronal plasticity) OR (synaptic plasticity)), with a filter for free full texts.Experimental and observational studies investigating the effects of meditation and mindfulness on neuroplasticity were included.Results: The reviewed studies indicate that meditation and mindfulness practices promote significant cognitive benefits, such as improved attention, inhibitory control, and executive functions, in addition to inducing functional and structural changes in the brain.Among the most consistent findings are increased gray matter in regions related to emotional regulation (amygdala and medial prefrontal cortex), interoceptive perception (insula), and memory (hippocampus), as well as modulation of the connectivity of neural networks of attention and self-reference.These results suggest that such interventions favor adaptive processes of neuroplasticity and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, making them promising strategies for promoting mental and cognitive health.Conclusion: Meditation and mindfulness have the potential to remodel brain architecture, improve cognitive functioning, and contribute as therapeutic and educational resources.Despite methodological limitations, future studies with greater rigor and standardization are needed to consolidate their clinical and scientific applicability.