Lifestyle Changes Show Positive Results for Alzheimer’s Disease
Kerri Donnelly, CDP, CSA
Growth Strategist | Regional Business Development Leader | Board-Level Executive & Clinical Liaison with a passion for Aging Well | Empowering People & Delivering Results | SNF, LTC, Senior Living, Hospital
Insights in Alzheimer’s Research: Lifestyle Changes Can Make a Difference!
A recent study led by Dr. Dean Ornish and his team has revealed that making significant lifestyle changes can have a positive impact on those dealing with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or early-stage dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
Here’s the scoop: Study participants, aged 45-90 were asked to adopt a comprehensive lifestyle intervention, which included a plant-based diet, regular exercise, stress management techniques, and group support sessions. After 20 weeks, the results indicated that the intervention group showed notable improvements in cognitive function and key biomarkers associated with AD, like the plasma Aβ42/40 ratio when compared to the control group.
What does this mean for us? Well, it underscores the incredible power of lifestyle choices in managing and potentially reversing early-stage Alzheimer’s. It’s not just about medications; what we eat, how we move, how we manage stress, and how connected we feel can play a vital role in our cognitive health.
This research opens up new avenues for non-pharmacological approaches to AD treatment. It highlights the critical role of a healthy diet, consistent exercise, stress reduction, and social support. While further research is needed to confirm these results and understand the long-term effects, the improvements observed in the intervention group highlight the potential benefits of diet, exercise, stress reduction, and social support in promoting cognitive health.
It’s an empowering reminder that we have tools at our disposal to combat this challenging disease.
Participants engaged in the following lifestyle interventions:
Diet: A vegan plant-based diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, soy products, seeds, and nuts.
Supplements: The intervention group also received specific supplements including:
? Omega-3 fatty acids with Curcumin
? Multivitamin and Minerals
? Coenzyme Q10
? Vitamin C
? Vitamin B12
? Magnesium L-Threonate
? Hericium erinaceus (Lion’s Mane)
? Super Bifido Plus Probiotic
Exercise: Daily aerobic exercise and strength training 3x weekly.
Stress Management: Techniques such as meditation, yoga, and other stress-relief practices 1 hour per day.
Social Support: Engaging in group support sessions 3x weekly for 4 hour sessions.
For those who have felt the impact of Alzheimer’s, MCI or early dementia these lifestyle modifications may offer a complementary approach to traditional treatments, emphasizing the importance of a holistic strategy in managing this challenging disease.
Let’s stay hopeful and proactive in supporting our loved ones and ourselves.
P.S. If you’re curious about the details, you can dive into the full study here. Effects of intensive lifestyle changes on the progression of mild cognitive impairment or early dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease: a randomized, controlled clinical trial