Diet, exercise may slow decline in some Alzheimer’s patients: Study

Research suggests that a healthy diet and consistent exercise may slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease in some people with the early stages of the disease. Published Friday.

The study, published in the journal Alzheimer’s Disease Research and Treatment, found that patients who made “in-depth” lifestyle changes — such as eating whole foods, exercising and practicing stress management techniques — saw their dementia symptoms stabilize, while others who kept their habits saw their thinking and memory continue to deteriorate.

According to the report, between September 2018 and June 2022, 51 patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) participated in the study, all of whom were aged between 45 and 90 years old.

Patients were placed on a vegan diet high in complex carbohydrates such as fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, low in processed sugars and harmful fats, but with no restricted calorie intake.

Exercise consisted of 30 minutes of walking and strength training three times a week, and stress management consisted mainly of yoga, breathing exercises, and stretching.

“Clearly, substantial lifestyle changes, rather than moderate changes, appear to be necessary to improve cognition and function in patients with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease,” the researchers said.

Approximately 6.9 million Americans age 65 and older have dementia related to Alzheimer’s disease. according to Dear Alzheimer’s Association, This mind-robbing disease is why researchers and pharmaceutical companies are spending billions of dollars to develop drugs to fight Alzheimer’s.

Only two drugs have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) so far: Leqembi and Aduhelm.