Making lifestyle changes can help slow down or prevent Alzheimer’s in individuals with a high risk

A groundbreaking new study has revealed that making healthy lifestyle changes can slow or even prevent the progression of Alzheimer’s disease in individuals at high risk. The research, published in the journal Alzheimer’s Research and Therapy, showed that patients with mild cognitive impairment or early dementia who adopted a set of healthy habits experienced significant improvements in their symptoms without the need for medication.

Lead researcher Dr. Dean Ornish, founder and president of the Preventive Medicine Research Institute, expressed cautious optimism about the findings, stating that they offer new hope and choices for individuals affected by Alzheimer’s. This study marks the first time that lifestyle changes have been shown to have a tangible impact on the progression of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

The study involved 51 participants with a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment or early dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease. These individuals were randomly assigned to either a lifestyle change group or a control group. The lifestyle change group underwent an intensive program that included a whole-foods, plant-based diet, regular exercise, stress management techniques, and support groups for both patients and their partners.

After 20 weeks, the results were striking. Participants in the lifestyle change group showed significant improvements in brain function and blood-based biomarkers for Alzheimer’s, such as the protein amyloid. Amyloid levels decreased in the lifestyle group but worsened in the control group, with greater improvements seen in those who adhered more consistently to the lifestyle changes.

Furthermore, participants in the lifestyle group experienced positive changes in their gut microbiome, with a decrease in organisms that increase the risk of Alzheimer’s and an increase in protective organisms. These findings are particularly significant given the limited success of pharmaceutical treatments for Alzheimer’s, with only two drugs approved in the past 20 years, one of which has been taken off the market.

Researcher Rudolph Tanzi, director of the McCance Center for Brain Health at Massachusetts General Hospital, emphasized the urgent need for effective Alzheimer’s treatments. He highlighted the cost-effectiveness and positive side effects of intensive lifestyle changes compared to traditional medications, noting that the only side effects of lifestyle changes are beneficial ones.

The study’s participants shared inspiring stories of regained abilities and renewed sense of self-worth. One individual reported being able to read a book in a fraction of the time it used to take, while another regained the ability to manage finances and prepare financial reports for the family business. These personal accounts underscore the profound impact that lifestyle changes can have on individuals affected by Alzheimer’s.

Overall, this study offers a glimmer of hope for those living with Alzheimer’s disease and highlights the transformative power of healthy lifestyle habits. As researchers continue to explore new avenues for treating Alzheimer’s, these findings provide a promising alternative that can improve quality of life and cognitive function for individuals at high risk of the disease.