Answer this question to the best of your ability:
How does mindfulness affect the hippocampus, which plays a crucial role in learning and memory?
Mindfulness meditation can positively influence the hippocampal region by increasing its gray matter volume. This structural change may contribute to enhanced learning capabilities and memory performance. Moreover, mindfulness has been associated with reduced stress levels, as high cortisol levels, a stress hormone, have been linked to hippocampal atrophy. By lowering stress, mindfulness practice can support the preservation of hippocampal integrity and, consequently, improve memory function.