New research has been released indicating that older adults with Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related pathologies can maintain better cognitive function by leading healthy lifestyles. The findings, authored by Klodian Dhana, MD, PhD, from the Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, were published in JAMA Neurology. The study revealed that individuals with higher healthy lifestyle scores demonstrated improved cognitive performance near the end of life. These scores remained linked to cognition irrespective of beta-amyloid load, phosphorylated tau tangle pathology, or global Alzheimer’s disease pathology.
Dr. Klodian Dhana emphasised the significance of lifestyle in dementia risk, particularly as individuals age and experience a gradual accumulation of dementia-related brain pathologies. Another study conducted in 2020 also suggested that modifying 12 risk factors could prevent or delay up to 40% of dementia cases, though the impact of a healthy lifestyle on cognitive reserve is still uncertain. Yue Leng, PhD, and Kristine Yaffe, MD, from the University of California San Francisco, called for well-designed clinical trials to further explore dementia risk reduction in the age of precision medicine.
The research team utilised autopsy data from the Rush Memory and Aging Project – a longitudinal study with up to 24 years of follow-up – that included 586 deceased individuals with dietary and lifestyle data, cognitive testing, and postmortem findings. Lifestyle factors were evaluated annually and classified as low risk or “healthy” based on MIND diet adherence, late-life cognitive activity scores, non-smoking, moderate or vigorous exercise activities, and light to moderate alcohol intake.
The findings suggest that leading a healthy lifestyle may positively influence cognitive function even in the presence of dementia-related brain pathologies. However, the researchers acknowledged the limitations of the study, such as the lack of diversity in the sample and self-reported lifestyle factors.
In conclusion, the study highlights the potential cognitive benefits of adopting a healthy lifestyle, even for those with accumulated dementia-related pathologies. Further research is needed to fully comprehend the mechanisms linking modifiable risk factors with cognitive aging and the potential for reducing dementia risk. This research was supported by grants from the National Institute on Aging, and several authors disclosed relationships with various medical associations.
+ There are no comments
Add yours