Effects of Tai Chi and Qigong on Cognition in Neurological Disorders.

Tai Chi and Qigong are two ancient Chinese practices that have been used for centuries for health and wellness. In recent years, there has been increasing interest in the effects of these practices on cognitive function in individuals with neurological disorders. This article will examine the effects of Tai Chi and Qigong on global cognitive function, executive function, memory, visuospatial ability, and cognitive processing speed in individuals with neurological disorders.

Global cognitive function

Global cognitive function refers to an individual’s overall cognitive abilities, including attention, memory, language, and reasoning. Several studies have investigated the effects of Tai Chi and Qigong on global cognitive function in individuals with neurological disorders.

A study published in the Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology found that 12 weeks of Tai Chi practice improved global cognitive function in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) (Liu et al., 2016). The study found that Tai Chi improved attention, executive function, memory, and visuospatial ability in individuals with MCI.

Another study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease found that 12 weeks of Tai Chi improved global cognitive function in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) (Liu et al., 2017). The study found that Tai Chi improved memory, executive function, attention, and visuospatial ability in individuals with AD.

Executive function

Executive function refers to the cognitive processes involved in planning, organizing, initiating, and completing tasks. Several studies have investigated the effects of Tai Chi and Qigong on executive function in individuals with neurological disorders.