Lifestyle Improvements May Slow Down The Onset Of Dementia In Old Age - Research, Quality Of Life

New research suggests that lifestyle changes can help improve cognitive function in older adults with disabilities and slow the onset of dementia

In a study published in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society, 119 people over 65 with cognitive impairment were randomly assigned to two groups: a control group and an 8-week intervention group. The control group received online information on dementia and risk factors related to lifestyle, Mediterranean diet, physical activity and cognitive performance.

Participants were instructed to apply this information to adjust their lifestyle. The intervention team received the same online information, plus active ingredients that will help apply this information to adjust their lifestyle: dietitian sessions, physiotherapist sessions, and online brain training.

At 6 months of follow-up, the researchers noted that the participants in the experimental group were able to improve their lifestyle and had higher scores in the assessment of cognitive functions than the participants in the control group. The results show that lifestyle-based changes can slow cognitive decline and the onset of dementia in old age.

“We've known for some time that lifestyle changes like these can reduce the risk of dementia in the general population. This study helped to make sure that, with the right intervention, people experiencing cognitive decline can retain enough neuroplasticity so their brains can resist the decline,”said lead author Mitchell McMaster, a graduate student at Australian National University.