Five lifestyle changes that can help combat the effects of Alzheimer’s disease

A groundbreaking new study has revealed that Alzheimer’s disease symptoms can be reversed by implementing five key lifestyle changes. Dr. Dean Ornish, a renowned researcher and president of the nonprofit Preventive Medicine Research Institute and University of California, San Francisco, led the trial that showed promising results in halting and even rolling back the progression of Alzheimer’s.

The study, published in the journal Alzheimer’s Research and Therapy, focused on 51 patients with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, aged 73 on average, who were experiencing mild symptoms. The participants were instructed to make significant lifestyle changes, including switching to a plant-based diet, engaging in regular exercise, daily meditation, and attending group therapy sessions three times a week.

One of the patients, Cici Zerbe, a Californian in her mid-80s, shared her success story with CNN, stating that the lifestyle changes not only reversed her symptoms but also improved her overall well-being. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to maintain her independence and walk alone every morning, a feat she thought she might never achieve again.

Another participant, Simon Nicholls, 55, reported that the trial helped him halt the progression of the disease. Dr. Richard Isaacson, a Cornell preventive neurologist who monitored Simon’s symptoms and recovery, expressed excitement over the results, stating that the improvements seen in patients like Simon were incredibly promising.

The lifestyle changes implemented in the trial included following a plant-based diet, engaging in daily walks, strength training sessions three times a week, daily meditation, and participating in group therapy sessions with loved ones. The participants also received eight daily supplements and consumed meals rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, seeds, nuts, and soy products.

Research has shown that a plant-based diet can lower the risk of developing dementia due to the higher nutrient content, fiber, and antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables compared to meat or wheat products. The participants were also encouraged to engage in regular physical activity, including daily walks and strength training exercises, to promote heart health and improve blood circulation to the brain.

Chronic stress, a known catalyst for various health issues, including dementia, was addressed in the trial through daily meditation and yoga sessions. The researchers highlighted how stress-induced inflammation can lead to the deterioration of brain tissue over time, increasing the risk of developing dementia.

Dr. Ornish emphasized that while this study is not definitive, it is the first of its kind to show that intensive lifestyle changes can have a significant impact on improving cognition and function in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. The results suggest that diet and exercise not only benefit heart health but also play a crucial role in reducing the symptoms of dementia by enhancing blood flow to the brain.

Overall, the findings of this study offer hope for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and highlight the importance of lifestyle modifications in managing and potentially reversing the symptoms of this debilitating condition. As further research is conducted in this area, the potential for lifestyle interventions to transform the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease continues to show promise.