Lifestyle changes focusing on exercise, a nutritious diet, cognitive activities and social engagement can significantly enhance brain function in older adults at risk of cognitive decline and dementia, according to a US study published in JAMA.
The two-year randomised controlled trial involved 2,111 adults aged 60 to 79 who led sedentary lifestyles, had suboptimal diets and cardiometabolic health and a family history of memory issues. None had cognitive impairments at the start.
Participants were assigned to one of two intervention groups: structured or self-guided. Both groups focused on five key areas—exercise, nutrition, cognitive training, social engagement and heart health monitoring.
The structured group followed the MIND diet (Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay), engaged in aerobic, resistance and stretching exercises, participated in computerised brain training via BrainHQ, took part in social and intellectual activities and regularly reviewed their health metrics. They also attended 38 peer-led support meetings over two years.
The self-guided group received general health information and were encouraged to adopt healthy habits. They participated in six peer meetings.
Both programmes led to cognitive improvements, but the structured intervention, with more support and accountability, showed greater gains in global cognition. “These positive results underscore the message that healthy behaviour has a powerful impact on brain health,” the study co-author said. “Positive actions can make a difference in brain health, and when combined into a programme that targets multiple factors like diet, exercise, heart health and cognitive engagement, we now know it can have an even more powerful impact.”
