A promising new study has found that lifestyle changes associated with reducing heart disease risks can also protect people from developing dementia.
Researchers from Florida Atlantic University found that habits such as exercise, social engagement, and healthy eating can help reduce cognitive decline. The findings suggest that the loss of mental function may not be a defining characteristic of aging.
Earlier this year, The Dallas Express reported on a study that found the risk of developing dementia in late adulthood may be far higher than previously estimated. New research found a 42% risk of Americans developing dementia after age 55, a rate that is more than double previous estimates.
“It is estimated that up to 45 per cent of dementia risk could be attributed to modifiable lifestyle and environmental factors,” study co-author Charles H Hennekens said, per The Independent.
The new study, published in the American Journal of Medicine, is the first large-scale U.S.-based clinical trial to examine whether intensive lifestyle changes can improve the odds of maintaining cognitive function in older adults at high risk of decline.
Participants in the study were randomly assigned to a structured, team-based lifestyle intervention. The interventions resulted in statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements in cognition over a two-year period. Participants in the study demonstrated improvements in executive functions, including attention, planning, decision-making, and memory.
Participants were asked to maintain regular physical activity and follow a Mediterranean diet, as well as the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, which includes consuming more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. The participants were also exposed to cognitive stimulation and social engagement.
These lifestyle changes, previously demonstrated to reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer, also led to significant improvements in brain health. Experts theorize that physical activity helps by boosting brain-derived neurotrophic factor. This supports hippocampal growth, promotes blood flow, and reduces inflammation.
Dietary changes also complement physical activity, helping lower oxidative stress and improving insulin sensitivity.
“Clinicians now have powerful, evidence-based tools to help their patients prevent or slow cognitive decline – tools that go beyond medications, are generally low-risk, and are cost-effective,” said Parvathi Perumareddi, one of the authors of the study.