A new study has brought hope to those battling early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, revealing that intensive lifestyle modifications, including adopting a healthy diet and regular exercise, could slow cognitive decline.
The research, published in the esteemed journal Alzheimer’s Research and Therapy, highlights the benefits of specific dietary and physical activities in managing symptoms of this debilitating condition.
The study meticulously tracked the progress of 51 Alzheimer’s patients, aged between 45 and 90, who enrolled in the research from September 2018 to June 2022.
Researchers observed that the group of patients who embraced substantial lifestyle changes experienced a stabilization in their dementia symptoms.
These patients adhered to a plant-based diet rich in complex carbohydrates—incorporating fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds—while avoiding processed sugars and unhealthy fats. Importantly, this diet did not restrict caloric intake, allowing participants to eat until satisfied.
Physical activity was also a critical component of the regimen. Participants engaged in moderate exercises, such as walking or strength training, for 30 minutes, three times a week.
Complementing these physical activities, the study included stress management techniques like yoga, breathing exercises, and stretching, aiming to offer a holistic approach to dementia care.
The contrast between the two groups in the study was striking. While those who made these “intensive” lifestyle adjustments saw their condition stabilize, the control group, which did not make any lifestyle changes, continued to experience a deterioration in cognitive functions such as thinking and memory.
Researchers emphasized the necessity of intensive lifestyle changes over moderate ones to achieve noticeable improvements in cognition and overall functioning in individuals suffering from early-stage Alzheimer‘s disease.
This research comes at a crucial time as approximately 6.9 million Americans aged 65 or older are affected by dementia related to Alzheimer’s, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Despite billions of dollars invested in research and development by both the scientific community and pharmaceutical companies, only two drugs, Leqembi and Aduhelm, have received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat Alzheimer’s.
The findings of this study offer a beacon of hope and a call to action for individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease, suggesting that proactive lifestyle changes can play a significant role in managing and potentially mitigating the impact of this disease.