A research paper published in the journal Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy reveals that rigorous lifestyle changes can significantly enhance cognitive abilities and functionality in individuals diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. This study underscores the importance of addressing various lifestyle elements—such as poor dietary habits, a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, obesity, diabetes, social isolation, and emotional stress—as these factors contribute to the initiation and progression of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.
The Lancet Commission on dementia prevention, intervention, and care has identified 12 modifiable risk factors that collectively account for an estimated 40% of the global dementia burden. Another recent study highlights that the link between lifestyle and cognition is largely independent of brain pathology, with only about 12% of the correlation attributed to β-amyloid deposition.
Current evidence suggests that consuming significant quantities of vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by 38% and 60%, respectively. Conversely, the intake of saturated fats or trans-fats has been associated with more than a twofold increase in the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Research on lifestyle risk factors has shown that multidomain lifestyle interventions are more effective than single-domain approaches in reducing the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. These interventions, which integrate diet, exercise, cognitive training, and vascular risk monitoring, have been shown to preserve cognitive function in older adults at higher risk of dementia.
In a multicenter randomized controlled clinical trial, researchers investigated the impact of a 20-week intensive multidomain lifestyle intervention on individuals with mild cognitive impairment or early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. Participants in the intervention group followed a rigorous program involving dietary adjustments—emphasizing a minimally processed plant-based diet—exercise, stress management, and support groups, while the control group maintained their usual lifestyle.
After 20 weeks, both groups underwent clinical and cognitive assessments. The intervention group showed significant cognitive and functional improvements compared to the control group, along with slower dementia progression. Biomarker analysis revealed reduced beta-amyloid deposition in the intervention group, along with improvements in other health markers.
These findings suggest that intensive lifestyle modifications offer a cost-effective approach to preventing and managing Alzheimer’s disease. Future research should involve larger cohorts and longer follow-up periods to explore the sustained benefits of these interventions across diverse populations.
Reference
- Ornish D, Madison C, Kivipelto M, Kemp C, McCulloch CE, Galasko D, et al. Effects of intensive lifestyle changes on the progression of mild cognitive impairment or early dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease: a randomized, controlled clinical trial. Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy. 2024 Jun 7;16(1):122.
- Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2020 report of the Lancet Commission – The Lancet [Internet]. [cited 2024 Jun 14]. Available from: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)30367-6/fulltext
- Healthy Lifestyle and Cognition in Older Adults With Common Neuropathologies of Dementia | Lifestyle Behaviors | JAMA Neurology | JAMA Network [Internet]. [cited 2024 Jun 14]. Available from: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaneurology/article-abstract/2814688