Answer this question to the best of your ability:
How does long-term meditation practice affect brain structure?
Long-term meditation practitioners often exhibit structural changes in areas such as the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and insula. The prefrontal cortex, which is linked to executive functions like decision making and attention control, may become thicker. This could result in improved cognitive abilities. The hippocampus, associated with learning and memory, also tends to increase in size or density, leading to enhanced memory performance. The insula, involved in self-awareness, emotion regulation, and empathy, can also show changes that might contribute to heightened self-awareness and emotional intelligence.