New Study Suggests Lifestyle Changes Can Boost Brain Health in Older Adults

Researchers have found compelling evidence that combining diet, exercise, and mental challenges can enhance cognitive function in older Americans.

A recent study involving over 2,100 sedentary individuals aged 60 to 79 indicated that participants who followed a rigorous two-year program not only improved their mental skills but also seemed to mitigate the typical cognitive declines associated with aging.

“These individuals are achieving cognitive scores similar to those of people who are one to two years younger,” remarks Laura Baker, a principal investigator and gerontology professor at Wake Forest University School of Medicine.

Jessica Langbaum of the Banner Alzheimer’s Institute, who wasn’t part of the study, emphasizes the significance by saying, “This really shows that we can alter individuals’ cognitive trajectories over time.”

Results from the POINTER study were presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Toronto and released concurrently in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

This outcome aligns with previous findings from a smaller Finnish study, although that one examined a less diverse demographic. It also resonates with longstanding research suggesting that individual interventions, like physical activity, may help mitigate brain aging.

Understanding the Study’s Parameters

The POINTER study focused on participants aged 60 to 79 who had normal cognitive function but were considered at higher risk for cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease.

Baker explains that eligible participants had to be sedentary, not regular exercisers, and consuming a less-than-optimal diet.

Half of the participants were encouraged to devise their own plans for better nutrition and exercise, while the other half followed a structured program. This regimen included aerobic workouts four times a week, adherence to a Mediterranean diet, online cognitive training, mandatory social interactions, and regular monitoring of blood pressure and sugar levels.

Both groups demonstrated improvements in memory and cognitive tests, yet the intensive program participants showed significantly greater progress.

Baker notes that despite its challenges, many participants described the intensive regimen as “life-changing.” With consistent support and encouragement, most managed to adopt substantial, lasting lifestyle changes.

“Forming new habits or changing behaviors necessitates diligent effort over time,” she states. “It’s simply unrealistic to think otherwise.”

Looking Forward

Conducted with a hefty investment of nearly $50 million from the Alzheimer’s Association and an even larger amount from the National Institutes of Health, the POINTER study also included brain scans, blood tests, and sleep studies for many participants. Eventually, these findings are expected to provide additional insights.

While the results pertain to normal age-related cognitive changes rather than Alzheimer’s disease itself, researchers believe that lifestyle adjustments that enhance cognitive abilities may delay the onset of dementia, including Alzheimer’s.

In light of this, the Alzheimer’s Association plans to allocate another $40 million over the next four years to apply findings from the POINTER study to community health initiatives.

Snyder mentions that understanding how to effectively translate the study’s findings into accessible interventions is the upcoming priority.

She poses various questions like, “What kind of approaches will people resonate with? Is it advice from healthcare providers, a motivational app, or maybe technology-driven solutions?”

Given the increasing public interest in ways to enhance brain health, such initiatives seem timely. Snyder adds: “Requests about improving brain health are among the most frequent we receive. It’s often inspired by concerns about family histories of dementia.”

Langbaum stresses that healthcare providers must treat lifestyle changes like any other medical prescriptions. “We need to normalize prescribing behavior change regimens and work towards insurance coverage for them,” she urges.

Upcoming study results, including brain scans and blood tests, might further validate the cognitive improvements seen in participants. These findings are expected to be published later in the year.

In the meantime, even those already maintaining a healthy lifestyle might consider enhancing their routines, advises Langbaum. She suggests, “If you’re doing the Sunday crossword puzzle and it feels easy, try something more challenging. Finding an exercise plan you can stick to, especially if it involves socializing, can be immensely beneficial for your brain.”

Social interaction, after all, is among the most effective strategies to keep your brain engaged and youthful.