Introduction to Cognitive Decline
It’s official: Older Americans worried about cognitive decline can stay sharper for longer by exercising both their bodies and their brains and eating healthier. That’s according to initial results released Monday from a rigorous U.S. study of lifestyle changes in seniors at risk of developing dementia. People following a combination of healthier habits slowed typical age-related cognitive decline — achieving scores on brain tests as if they were a year or two younger, researchers reported in JAMA and at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference.
The Study’s Findings
It’s not too late to get started — study participants were in their 60s and 70s — and it doesn’t require becoming a pickleball champ or swearing off ice cream. “It was the first time I felt like I was doing something proactive to protect my brain,” said Phyllis Jones, 66, of Aurora, Illinois, who joined the study after caring for her mother with dementia and struggling with her own health problems. It’s too soon to know if stalling age-related decline also could reduce the risk of later Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. But Jones and other study participants underwent brain scans and blood tests that researchers now are analyzing for clues – such as whether people also saw a reduction in Alzheimer’s-related protein buildup.
What’s Good for the Heart is Good for the Brain
Doctors have long encouraged physical activity and a healthy diet for brain fitness. Those steps fight high blood pressure and cholesterol, heart disease and diabetes, factors that increase the risk of dementia. But until now the strongest evidence that specific lifestyle changes later in life could improve how people perform on brain tests came from a study in Finland. Would it work for a more sedentary and culturally diverse U.S. population? With funding from the Alzheimer’s Association and the National Institute on Aging, Baker’s team tested the strategy for two years in 2,100 adults ages 60 to 79.
Study Participants’ Regimen
Half of participants were randomly assigned to group classes for exercise and dietary changes plus brain-challenging homework – with peer support and coaches tracking their progress. They did a half-hour of moderately intense exercise four times a week — plus twice a week, they added 10 to 15 minutes of stretching and 15 to 20 minutes of resistance training. They followed the “MIND diet” that stresses lots of leafy greens and berries plus whole grains, poultry and fish. Nothing is banned but it urges limiting red meat, fried or “fast food” and sweets, and substituting olive oil for butter and margarine. They also had to meet someone or try something new weekly and do brain “exercises” using an online program called Brain HQ.
Comparison with the Control Group
Other study participants, the control group, received brain-healthy advice and minimal coaching — they chose what steps to follow. Both improved but the groups fared significantly better. Combining social engagement with exercise and dietary steps may be key, said Jessica Langbaum of the Banner Alzheimer’s Institute, who wasn’t involved with the study. “Americans want to have that one easy thing – ‘If I just eat my blueberries,’” Langbaum said. “There is no one magic bullet. It is a whole lifestyle.”
Exercising Body and Mind Independently
Moderately intense physical activity means raising your heart rate and panting a bit yet still able to talk, said Wake Forest’s Baker. Pick something safe for your physical capability and start slowly, just 10 minutes at a time until you can handle more, she cautioned. Make it something you enjoy so you stick with it. Likewise, there are many options for brain exercise, Baker said – puzzles, joining a book club, learning an instrument or a new language. Jones, a software engineer-turned-tester, learned she loves blueberry-spinach smoothies. Her favorite exercise uses an at-home virtual reality program that lets her work up a sweat while appearing to be in another country and communicating with other online users.
Challenges in Maintaining the Lifestyle
Researchers will track study participants’ health for four more years and the Alzheimer’s Association is preparing to translate the findings into local community programs. Will people with stick with their new habits? Jones lost 30 pounds, saw her heart health improve and feels sharper especially when multitasking. But she hadn’t realized her diet slipped when study coaching ended until a checkup spotted rising blood sugar. Now she and an 81-year-old friend from the study are helping keep each other on track. The lifestyle change “did not just affect me physically, it also affected me mentally and emotionally. It brought me to a much better place,” Jones said.
Conclusion
The study provides promising evidence that older adults can take proactive steps to protect their cognitive health through a combination of physical exercise, healthy diet, and mental stimulation. While it is too early to determine if these lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of dementia, the findings suggest that they can at least slow down age-related cognitive decline. As the population ages, it is essential to find effective strategies to promote healthy aging, and this study offers valuable insights into the potential benefits of a holistic approach to brain health.
FAQs
- What is the MIND diet, and how does it contribute to brain health?
The MIND diet emphasizes whole grains, leafy greens, berries, poultry, and fish, while limiting red meat, fried foods, and sweets. This dietary approach is designed to support brain health by reducing the risk of dementia and cognitive decline. - How can I incorporate physical exercise into my daily routine as I age?
Start with short sessions of moderately intense exercise, such as brisk walking, and gradually increase the duration and frequency. It is essential to choose activities that you enjoy and that are safe for your physical capabilities. - What types of brain exercises are recommended for older adults?
Engage in activities that challenge your brain, such as puzzles, learning a new language, or playing a musical instrument. These exercises can help build cognitive reserve and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. - How can I maintain motivation and stick to my new lifestyle habits?
Find a buddy or join a community program to provide support and accountability. Tracking your progress and celebrating small victories can also help you stay motivated and committed to your goals. - What are the potential long-term benefits of adopting a healthy lifestyle as I age?
Adopting a healthy lifestyle can help slow down age-related cognitive decline, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and improve overall quality of life. While it is too early to determine the exact impact on dementia risk, the available evidence suggests that a holistic approach to brain health can have numerous benefits for older adults.
