Can Lifestyle Changes Lead to Alzheimer’s Improvements?

At Georgia Memory Net, we pay close attention to all the latest research when it comes to diagnosing, treating, and preventing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. An exciting recent study suggests that substantial diet and lifestyle changes might not just delay the onset of cognitive decline, but could even bring positive improvement to the lives of people living with Alzheimer’s.

The research focussed on a range of techniques that have been shown to lower dementia risk. Researchers noted that the interventions were intensive—that is to say they were not small lifestyle changes, but relatively large ones. The study participants were 51 people whose average age was 73. All of them had been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or early dementia.

Three Changes that Could Make a Difference

The findings suggest that three lifestyle changes involving diet, exercise, and socialization have the potential to improve brain function as well as, or even better than, some of the drugs currently prescribed for Alzheimer’s disease.

Diet

The intervention group in the study switched to a vegan (entirely plant-based) diet. The diet wasn’t calorie-restricted, and included a variety of supplements believed to support brain health: coenzyme Q, curcumin, lion’s mane mushroom supplements, magnesium L-threonate, a multivitamin, omega 3 fatty acids, a probiotic, and vitamins C and B12.

Exercise

Participants in the intervention group did a half hour of aerobic exercise every day, and participated in strength training three times a week. They also meditated, did yoga poses, stretched, and participated in breathing exercises for an hour daily under the guidance of a stress management specialist.

Socialization

Subjects took part in a one hour support group three times a week. The sessions were led by a mental health professional.

In all, the intervention group participants received twelve hours of professional support on a video conference app each week.

The Results

• In general, while the intervention group improved or stayed the same, the control group (who did not make the lifestyle changes) stayed the same or became worse.
• Blood tests showed an improvement in a “marker” used to measure the plaques in the brain that are hallmarks of Alzheimer’s.
• A1c, cholesterol, and hemoglobin measurements, which are associated with cardiac and metabolic health, improved.
• The intervention group’s microbiome of beneficial bacteria increased while those thought to be associated with Alzheimer’s disease decreased.

How Can I Use this Information?

Again, these findings are early and require additional study. But they do seem to support what we’ve known for a while: improving your diet, exercising regularly, and socialization are all tools we can use to reduce the risk of developing dementia, and also to care for the health of people living with Alzheimer's. The idea that these changes might also improve the symptoms of the disease is an exciting finding that deserves extensive additional research.

The Right Plan Requires Accurate Diagnosis

In light of new techniques and therapies that could improve the lives of people living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, it’s more important than ever to get an accurate diagnosis. If you’re experiencing memory issues, or having trouble thinking, don’t put it off. Talk to your Primary Care Physician and ask if an appointment with Georgia Memory Net for diagnosis is appropriate. You can learn more about referrals at GaMemoryNet.org/referrals.