In an effort to stave off rapid cognitive decline and potentially prevent Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive brain disorder known for its debilitating effects on thinking, memory, and behavior, many individuals are turning to lifestyle changes. Recent research has highlighted how targeted lifestyle interventions can significantly protect brain health. Dr. Stephen Salloway, the founding director of the Memory and Aging Program at Butler Hospital in Providence, emphasizes the importance of physical activity, a nutritious diet, and meaningful social engagement in maintaining cognitive vitality. “Just be physically active, eat well, and have a good, meaningful life in terms of social engagement and brain stimulation,” he advised, underscoring that these principles are grounded in common sense.
The Protect Brain Health Through Lifestyle Intervention to Reduce Risk, or US POINTER study, is a landmark research initiative that examined whether adopting healthy behaviors can safeguard brain health. Conducted over two years across five locations in the United States, this study is the largest randomized trial of its kind. Its findings were recently published in the journal JAMA and presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Toronto.
Over 2,000 adults aged 60 to 79, identified as at risk for cognitive decline and dementia, participated in the study from five hospital sites. The research tested two distinct lifestyle interventions aimed at improving cognition in older adults. These interventions focused on key aspects such as physical exercise, nutrition, cognitive challenges, social engagement, and heart health monitoring.
The study participants were divided into two groups, each following a different approach to intervention. One half adhered to a structured program that included attending over three dozen facilitated peer team meetings throughout the two years. This group received a comprehensive activity plan with measurable goals for aerobic, resistance, and stretching exercises, adhered to a diet similar to the Mediterranean diet, engaged in brain training activities, and participated in regular health metrics reviews with a study clinician.
The second half of the participants engaged in a “self-guided lifestyle intervention,” which involved attending just six peer team meetings. This group aimed to encourage self-selected lifestyle changes that were tailored to their needs and schedules, with study staff providing general support rather than direct goal-oriented coaching.
Results from the study revealed that cognitive function improved significantly in both groups. Notably, those in the structured intervention group exhibited cognitive abilities comparable to adults one to two years younger, as stated by Dr. Laura D. Baker, a professor of gerontology and geriatrics at Wake Forest University School of Medicine and a POINTER investigator. “It looks like it slows the cognitive aging clock,” Baker noted, emphasizing the promising outcomes of the interventions.
Alzheimer’s disease is recognized as the most prevalent form of dementia, currently affecting an estimated 6.7 million older adults in the United States. According to the CDC, this figure is projected to double by 2060, highlighting the urgent need for effective prevention strategies. Factors contributing to Alzheimer’s include genetics and lifestyle habits, with symptoms often beginning with issues related to short-term memory.
“As the burden of dementia grows worldwide, US POINTER affirms a vital public health message: healthy behavior has a powerful impact on brain health,” said Dr. Joanne Pike, president and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association. The organization played a crucial role in funding the study, investing $50 million to explore these vital connections.
Participants in the study came from various racial and ethnic backgrounds and shared common risk factors, such as sedentary lifestyles, poor diets, and family histories of cognitive decline. Peter Gijsbers van Wijk, a 72-year-old from Pearland, Texas, was part of the self-guided group. He shared, “I purchased a smartwatch to track my steps and began walking more,” illustrating the personal commitment many participants made to improve their health.
Despite challenges, such as access to affordable gyms, Gijsbers van Wijk remained dedicated, even volunteering in community programs. He emphasized the importance of being informed about reducing risks for himself and his family, especially given his background of high blood pressure and a family history of dementia.
Though the trial concluded last year, researchers will continue to analyze various health metrics, including blood samples and brain scans, to evaluate the long-term effects of the interventions on Alzheimer’s-related proteins and other biological markers. Susan Antkowiak, vice president of programs and services for the Alzheimer’s Association’s chapter in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, remarked on the stigma surrounding Alzheimer’s and the fear it invokes. “By providing a more proactive, preventative approach, it allows us to introduce hope based on science,” she explained.
The Alzheimer’s Association is committed to furthering this hopeful narrative, planning to invest an additional $40 million to support participant follow-ups and the implementation of local community programs. “There are things we can do,” Antkowiak concluded, highlighting the importance of embracing lifestyle changes to enhance brain health and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
