Four Lifestyle Changes That Can Improve Cognitive Function, Delay Alzheimer’s
A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s is a devastating reality for numerous Americans. Alzheimer’s is a degenerative condition that causes cognitive decline. While recent research has made great strides in determining how Alzheimer’s transforms the brain, the prognosis for those with the disorder hasn’t significantly improved in recent years. Yet researchers continue to make strides in the area of treatment as well.
A recent study published by Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy examined how intensive lifestyle changes can help individuals in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease delay the onset of significant symptoms. Researchers found that combining lifestyle interventions may help improve cognitive function. Such interventions include:
- Following a plant-based diet
- Exercising
- Managing stress effectively
- Attending support group meetings
The results of the study indicate that several potential intervention paths can help people with early dementia or even prevent the onset of dementia.
Which lifestyle changes prevent dementia?
In the aforementioned study, researchers wanted to examine if a combination of non-medication interventions could help individuals in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. The study included 51 participants all of whom had mild cognitive impairment or early dementia from Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers excluded participants with moderate to severe dementia symptoms and those who did not exercise regularly.
Researchers divided the participants into two groups. The control group received standard Alzheimer’s care while the intervention group received standard care plus four key lifestyle interventions. Those include:
- Implementation of a whole-foods, minimally processed plant-based diet with specific supplements and low levels of harmful fats and refined carbs.
- Moderate exercise of at least 30 minutes daily and mild strength training three times a week or more.
- Stress management techniques such as meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises.
- Regular use of support groups three times a week.
The intervention period lasted 20 weeks. Researchers provided participants with food, assistance with exercise, supervision of stress management techniques, and access to support group meetings.
While the control group showed declines in all four assessments of cognition and function, the intervention group showed improvement in three of the assessments. In the last assessment, the intervention group showed less progression than the control group.
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Source:
medicalnewstoday.com/articles/4-lifestyle-changes-may-improve-cognitive-function-slow-alzheimers#Which-lifestyle-changes-may-prevent-Alzheimers?
