A big new study finds that diet, exercise and other lifestyle changes can significantly enhance the health of aging brains.
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Scientists have unveiled the strongest evidence yet that a combination of diet, exercise, and brain training can improve thinking and memory in older Americans.
A study of more than 2,100 sedentary people in their 60s and 70s found that those who spent two years on the intensive regimen not only improved their mental abilities, but appeared to reduce the usual declines associated with aging.
“These people are obtaining cognitive function scores that are similar to people [like them who are] one to two years younger than they are,” says Laura Baker, one of the study’s principal investigators and a professor of gerontology and geriatrics at Wake Forest University School of Medicine.
“This is really showing that we can change people’s trajectories over time,” says Jessica Langbaum of the Banner Alzheimer’s Institute in Phoenix, who was not involved in the research.
Results of what’s known as the POINTER study were reported at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Toronto. They were published simultaneously in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
The results are consistent with earlier findings from a smaller Finnish study, which involved a less diverse population. The findings of the study align with years of research indicating that individual interventions, such as exercise, may help mitigate age-related brain and cognitive changes.
The POINTER study specifically targeted individuals between the ages of 60 and 79 with normal memory and thinking abilities but at high risk for cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease.
Participants were divided into two groups: one group designed their own plan to improve diet and exercise habits, while the other group followed a structured program involving aerobic exercise, a Mediterranean diet, cognitive training, social activities, and health monitoring.
Both groups showed improvements in memory and cognition, with the structured program yielding more significant results. Participants found the intensive regimen challenging but transformative, with many able to sustain lasting changes through support and encouragement.
The study focused on normal brain aging rather than Alzheimer’s disease, but researchers believe that lifestyle modifications that enhance cognition and reduce “brain age” could potentially delay dementia progression.
The Alzheimer’s Association intends to invest further in implementing the study’s findings, recognizing the importance of translating research into actionable strategies for the community. This involves identifying effective methods for promoting behavior change, such as through healthcare providers, technology, or personalized interventions.
The integration of lifestyle interventions into standard healthcare practices, akin to prescribing medication, could be a crucial step in improving brain health nationwide. Additionally, ongoing research on the impact of cognitive improvement on brain health through brain scans and blood tests is anticipated to provide further insights.
As individuals strive to enhance their brain health, engaging in new challenges, maintaining an exercise routine, and fostering social connections are recommended strategies. Socializing, in particular, is highlighted as a key factor in maintaining cognitive vitality.
Overall, the study underscores the potential benefits of adopting a holistic approach to brain health, emphasizing the importance of proactive lifestyle choices in promoting cognitive well-being.
