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Minor adjustments in daily habits might help prevent the initial indicators of dementia, according to a significant research project.
Scientists at the globe's biggest Alzheimer's conference this week presented the results of the US POINTER Study, the nation's most extensive research on lifestyle changes affectingAlzheimer's disease.
A group of almost 30 American researchers examined over 2,000 older individuals, all of whom had a family background of dementia or specific risk factors such as high blood pressure and obesity.
They were split into two groups and instructed to either adhere to a strict diet or exercise plan, create a support group or social network for a period of two years, or choose their own habits to modify.
Measures involved engaging in cardiovascular activities such as walking and cycling, adopting a Mediterranean-type diet, and performing cognitive training exercises on their computers.
Scientists discovered that both groups enhanced their skills in managing tasks, handling information andrecallpersonal experiences. However, individuals who adhered to a more structured schedule achieved nine percent higher scores compared to those who took a self-directed approach, which researchers described as a 'significant' change.
In reality, individuals involved in the structured group demonstrated cognitive abilities equivalent to those one to two years younger than their chronological age, indicating that the interventions 'slowed the cognitive aging process.'
The research follows a recent Lancet Commission studyfound 14 adjustable risk factors for dementia, which encompass sedentary lifestyle, tobacco use, nutrition, environmental contaminants, and insufficient social interaction, among other factors.
The scientists, who spoke on Monday at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference in Toronto, stated that this is "the first extensive randomized trial showing affordable and long-lasting health and lifestyle changes that can preserve cognitive function in various populations and communities throughout the country."
Dr. Laura Baker, lead researcher and professor of aging and elderly care at Wake Forest University, mentioned during a press event before the announcement: 'This evaluation of the POINTER lifestyle plan offers a fresh approach for Americans to enhance mental performance and build resistance against memory loss, showing that organized lifestyle changes are practical.'
I am pleased to have obtained positive results from the clinical trial. We now understand that healthy habits play a crucial role in maintaining brain health. Through our thorough study, we have learned this.
Participants in the trial who spoke at AAIC referred to the study as their 'lifeline,' stating that it assisted them in reversing critical dementia risk factors such as prediabetes, obesity, and depression.
The group intends to continue monitoring participants for an additional four years and expand the research to more locations throughout the United States, most of which lack adequate dementia prevention services.
The research, presented today at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference in Toronto, examined 2,111 adults across five locations in the United States over a period of two years.
The report was also released today in the journal JAMA.
Subjects ranged in age from 60 to 79, with a mean age of 68. Approximately 69% of the participants were women.
Adults participating in the study were generally leading a lifestyle with limited physical activity and adhered to a standard Western eating pattern.
In addition, they each met at least two of the following conditions: had a close relative with memory problems; suffered from heart-related issues such as hypertension or high cholesterol, which contribute to metabolic risks; belonged to racial groups including American Indian or Alaska Native, Black, Middle Eastern, or North African; identified as Hispanic, Latinx, or Spanish; were between the ages of 70 and 79; or were male.
More than two-thirds of the participants were white. Approximately one in three were carriers of APOE-ε4, which increases their genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, eight out of ten had a family history of memory problems.
The subjects were divided into two groups of the same size: one receiving a structured lifestyle intervention and the other a self-directed lifestyle program.
Structured programs involved physical activity, diet management, mental and social activities, and guidance on health.
Different types of physical activity in the structured group included cardiovascular exercises like running or cycling, strength training, and activities focused on flexibility and balance, mostly carried out at places such as a gym or YMCA.
Aerobic activity was performed four times a week for 30 to 35 minutes each session. Strength training lasted between 15 and 20 minutes, occurring twice weekly, while stretching exercises were planned for 10 to 15 minutes on two occasions each week.
Participants were also advised to adopt the MIND diet, which integrates principles from the Mediterranean and DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diets. Research indicates it can reduce the risk of dementia by focusing on foods beneficial for brain health, such as leafy green vegetables, berries, nuts, olive oil, lean fish, and whole grains.
They also received cognitive training activities on their personal computers three times weekly, each session lasting 15 to 20 minutes, and participated in peer-led support group meetings.
Meanwhile, individuals in the self-directed group were advised to implement all of these interventions using the provided instructional resources but did not receive detailed instructions.
Peter Gijsbers van Wijk from Houston was part of the self-directed group. He mentioned at AAIC that he concentrated on exercising more, bought a smartwatch to monitor his steps, and parked farther away when going to the supermarket.
He also attempted to replace salty snacks with granola bars and incorporate more fruits and vegetables into his meals. After his wife passed away during the study, he used his spare time for volunteering and 'contributing to the community.'
Each group had blood tests and memory evaluations every six months.
The scientists observed that both groups showed improvements in their cognitive test results after two years of lifestyle changes, although the group that followed a structured program achieved nine percent higher scores compared to those who used a self-directed approach.
Structured participants also performed better than those who used self-intervention in areas such as executive function and processing speed. These include abilities like shifting between tasks and absorbing new information.
Both groups experienced comparable enhancements in episodic memory, which refers to the capacity to remember specific personal events.
However, the team highlighted that a rigorous, organized method was the most effective in general.
Dr. Baker stated, "What we have discovered is that the structure and the support are essential for achieving successful and lasting change."
There were also fewer negative outcomes such as sickness and fatalities in the structured group compared to the self-directed group, with 151 severe and 1,095 minor incidents versus 190 and 1,225.
The researchers observed that, based on national data, 35 percent of older adults fail to meet physical activity recommendations while 81 percent have inadequate diets, suggesting the results may carry wide-ranging consequences.
Phyllis Jones from Chicago mentioned at AAIC that being invited to take part in POINTER was her 'lifeline,' as she was 'drifting downward' due to prediabetes, obesity, and depression.
Currently, she is free from depression, joint pain, and high cholesterol, and has shed 30 pounds.
She stated, "I no longer believe that suffering and deterioration are simply natural aspects of growing older. I feel invigorated. I am leading my life with intention."
The research had a number of constraints, such as focusing on participants from just five locations and not examining general dementia results.
Nevertheless, the team intends to monitor the participants for an additional four years to examine long-term effects and expand the program to other locations.
Gijsbers van Wijk also proposed supplying smartwatches to individuals who cannot afford them, enabling them to monitor their health indicators more effectively.
Dr. Baker stated, "We are extremely proud to be involved in this research. It has been an extraordinary experience."
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