Breaking the Cycle of Dementia Risk
Phyllis Jones spent nearly a decade watching her mother decline due to Alzheimer’s disease. It was a painful experience, one that echoed a past when her mother had cared for her own mother, suffering from the same common form of dementia.
At 66, Jones found herself facing a similar fate. Like millions of Americans, this grandmother in Illinois was prediabetic and carrying around an extra 30 pounds. With a family history of dementia, she had three of the common risk factors that heighten the likelihood of cognitive decline.
Just a few miles away, Patty Kelly had also been grappling with the effects of dementia on her mother for what she described as “a very painful seven years.” She recounted a particularly heartbreaking moment when her sons visited their grandmother and left in tears because she didn’t recognize them. It led Kelly to wonder how she could prevent a similar fate for herself.
To tackle these concerns, both women decided to participate in the US POINTER trial, a comprehensive study demonstrating that simple lifestyle changes—like improved diet and exercise—can help mitigate cognitive decline.
Recent findings presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) in Toronto indicated that participants who engaged in a disciplined routine of aerobic and strength training, adhered to a careful diet, and cultivated social connections over two years experienced improvements in their cognitive scores.
Remarkably, they also managed to slow the aging of their brains by one to two years on average. Both women reported losing weight, lowering cholesterol, and enhancing their mental wellbeing since joining the study.
Jones expressed gratitude for discovering the US POINTER study, calling it one of the best developments in her life. Kelly echoed this sentiment, believing they had altered the trajectory of their families’ histories with dementia.
Dr. Rachel Whitmer, a co-author of the study from the University of California, Davis, remarked on the challenge of recruiting participants who were not living healthy lifestyles but had family histories of dementia. Surprisingly, many were willing to make significant changes.
It’s estimated that nearly 40% of Americans over 55 will develop dementia, with the number of annual diagnoses expected to double by 2060. A significant portion of the 7.2 million individuals currently living with dementia have Alzheimer’s, a disorder that progressively impairs memory and everyday tasks.
The POINTER study drew inspiration from a Finnish study called FINGER, which also involved older adults with dementia risk factors. This earlier research found a 25% improvement in cognitive function among those who followed lifestyle interventions compared to a control group.
In the US POINTER study, 2,111 adults from five locations were observed over two years. There were two groups: one followed a structured program with set exercises and diets, while the other was self-guided. Interestingly, Jones and Kelly met as part of the structured group in Chicago, despite having lived just miles apart.
They began attending local exercise classes for seniors, although initially, Jones struggled to keep up. Over time, though, she found that her stamina improved significantly—so much so that she no longer needs braces for her joints.
Kelly, on the other hand, had been walking regularly but had not focused on increasing her pace. The POINTER team helped her learn how to effectively boost her walking intensity, which she found impactful.
Participants were encouraged to follow a ‘MIND’ diet, which emphasizes brain-healthy foods like leafy greens, berries, nuts, and whole grains. Initially, Kelly scored poorly on her dietary habits, but through the study, she transformed her eating approach, seeing notable health improvements.
After the study, Jones lost 30 pounds and 11 inches off her waist, reversing her prediabetes status. Her family has adopted her healthier habits, with her granddaughter even requesting salads for lunch.
Both women noted that slowly introducing changes helped maintain their motivation. Dr. Whitmer stressed the importance of this gradual approach to altering behavior.
Through the study, Jones and Kelly developed a friendship. Jones described Kelly as her inspiration, and in an unexpected twist, some couples even forged new relationships during the trial.
The POINTER team aims to continue monitoring participants for an additional four years and expand to more sites across the country, hoping to further elucidate how lifestyle changes can modify dementia risk factors.
Dr. Whitmer concluded with a reminder: while family history can’t be changed, living a healthier life can significantly impact risk factors.
