In this episode, we dive into the evidence of Yoga on Cognitive Function, Brain Structure and Brain Function and Connectivity. We discuss the benefits of Yoga for mental and cognitive health to communities without access to traditional Western treatments, the specific cognitive functions that Yoga benefits, how Yoga impacts our HPA Axis/"stress system" and much much more... Dr. Neha Gothe is an Associate Professor in the Departments of Physical Therapy, Movement and Rehabilitation Sciences and Applied Psychology at Northeastern University. Dr Gothe is a leading researcher in the field of Yoga for Cognition, publishing the first Randomised Controlled Trial analysing the effect of Yoga on Cognitive Function in older adults. Dr. Gothe also mentors and supervises undergraduate and graduate students at the Centre for Brain and Cognitive Health at Northeastern University. Chapters 0:00 Show Intro 3:15 Exercise Therapies in Developing Countries 10:10 Cognitive Benefits of Yoga 18:35 Can Yoga Change the Brain? 26:42 Yoga Mechanisms 39:00 Unusual Benefits of Yoga Show Notes "Yoga and cognition: a meta-analysis of chronic and acute effects" by Gothe and McAuley (2015) "Effects of yoga, aerobic, and stretching and toning exercises on cognition in adult cancer survivors: protocol of the STAY Fit pilot randomized controlled trial" by Gothe et al. (2020) "Feasibility of a yoga, aerobic and stretching-toning exercise program for adult cancer survivors: the STAYFIT trial" by Gothe & Erlenbach (2022) "Yoga effects on brain health: a systematic review of the current literature" by Gothe et al. (2019) "Yoga impacts cognitive health: neurophysiological changes and stress regulation mechanisms" by Voss et al. (2023) "Insular cortex mediates increased pain tolerance in yoga practitioners" by Villemure et al. (2014) "Hatha yoga practice improves attention and processing speed in older adults: results from an 8-week randomized control trial" by Gothe et al. (2017)