Recent research has demonstrated that implementing healthy lifestyle modifications can aid individuals with mild cognitive impairment or early dementia in preserving their brain function. Published in the journal Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy, the study highlighted the positive impact of dietary, exercise, and stress management changes on dementia symptoms, potentially avoiding the need for medication.
The study also uncovered a direct correlation between the commitment to these lifestyle adjustments and the enhancement of brain function. This pioneering study signifies the first tangible proof that lifestyle changes hold the potential to influence the progression of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Principal researcher, Dr. Dean Ornish, cautiously embraced the findings, suggesting that it offers hope and alternative options for individuals at risk of Alzheimer’s. He underscored that while a cure for Alzheimer’s is yet to be found, improving the quality of life for those impacted by the disease represents a significant step in the right direction.
The investigation involved 51 individuals diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or early dementia as a result of Alzheimer’s disease. They were divided into two groups: the lifestyle change group and the control group. The former underwent an intensive programme centred on a whole-foods diet, exercise, stress management, and support groups. After 20 weeks, notable disparities in the brain function and blood-based biomarkers for Alzheimer’s were observed in the lifestyle group compared to the control group.
As per the researchers, the decrease in the amyloid protein, which tends to form plaques in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients, played a critical role in the FDA’s approval of lecanemab (Leqembi) for Alzheimer’s treatment. They also highlighted that the lifestyle changes resulted in improved levels of amyloid and a healthier gut microbiome in the participants.
The favourable outcomes of the study hold significant implications for Alzheimer’s treatments, particularly in light of the constraints and difficulties associated with current medications. The potential of lifestyle adjustments to substantially enhance cognitive function at a fraction of the cost, and without serious side effects, presents a promising prospect in the realm of Alzheimer’s research.
To conclude, the study proposes that embarking on healthy lifestyle changes, such as adopting a whole-foods diet, partaking in regular exercise, managing stress effectively, and engaging in support groups, could aid in slowing down or preventing Alzheimer’s for individuals at heightened risk. The findings offer a ray of hope in the quest for Alzheimer’s treatments and pave the way for further exploration of lifestyle interventions as a means to mitigate the impact of the disease.