A recent study suggests that it is possible to reverse the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, particularly in its early stages. The study found that individuals with early dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease could significantly enhance their cognitive function and overall quality of life by making substantial changes to their lifestyle habits.
The study involved 51 individuals in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, who were either instructed to maintain their typical routines for 20 weeks or to adopt four new habits. These habits included adopting a minimally processed, plant-based diet, engaging in moderate-intensity aerobic exercise and strength training for at least 30 minutes daily, prioritizing stress management activities such as meditation and breathing exercises, and participating in three hour-long group therapy sessions per week.
At the beginning and end of the study, participants underwent four different cognitive function tests. The results revealed that the intervention group, which implemented significant lifestyle changes, experienced a noteworthy improvement in their cognitive function and a reduction in disease progression.
Lead study author Dr. Dean Ornish, the founder and president of the Preventive Medicine Research Institute and a clinical professor of medicine at the University of San Francisco, expressed optimism about the findings. He emphasized that while a cure for Alzheimer’s is yet to be discovered, the study presents an opportunity to improve the quality of life for individuals battling this disease.
Several participants in the lifestyle intervention group reported substantial improvements in their cognitive function. Many were able to regain the ability to perform daily activities that had become difficult due to Alzheimer’s, such as reading, watching movies, and managing complex financial information.
Despite the limitations of the study, including its small scale and relatively short duration, the findings are promising. Furthermore, the concept of improving lifestyle habits to reverse early cognitive decline is not new. Scientists encourage the public to remain physically active, eat well, manage stress, maintain social connections, engage in mentally stimulating activities, and schedule regular healthcare checkups, all of which are crucial practices for promoting brain health as people age.