Adopting a nutritious diet and regular physical activity may help mitigate the progression of cognitive decline in individuals with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, according to a study published recently.
This research, featured in the journal Alzheimer’s Research and Therapy, indicates that patients who embraced significant lifestyle changes — such as consuming whole foods, engaging in moderate exercise, and practicing stress reduction techniques — experienced a stabilization of their dementia symptoms. In contrast, those who did not adjust their habits continued to see a deterioration in their cognitive abilities and memory.
The study involved 51 participants with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), ranging in age from 45 to 90 years, and was conducted between September 2018 and June 2022.
Participants were encouraged to follow a vegan diet rich in complex carbohydrates, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, while avoiding processed sugars and unhealthy fats. Importantly, there were no restrictions on calorie consumption.
The exercise regimen consisted of walking or performing strength training exercises for 30 minutes, three times a week. Stress management was addressed through practices such as yoga, breathing exercises, and stretching.
“Intensive lifestyle changes, rather than moderate ones, appear necessary to enhance cognition and functionality in individuals with early-stage AD,” the researchers noted.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, approximately 6.9 million Americans aged 65 or older are affected by Alzheimer’s-related dementia. This debilitating disease has driven researchers and pharmaceutical companies to invest heavily in the search for effective treatments.
To date, only two drugs, Leqembi and Aduhelm, have received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
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