A healthy diet and regular exercise may slow cognitive decline in some early-stage Alzheimer’s disease patients, according to research published Friday.
The study, featured in the journal Alzheimer’s Research and Therapy, revealed that patients who adopted “intensive” lifestyle changes — such as consuming whole foods, engaging in moderate exercise, and practicing stress management techniques — experienced stabilization in their dementia symptoms. Conversely, patients who did not change their habits saw continued deterioration in thinking and memory.
The study enrolled 51 Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients, aged 45 to 90, between September 2018 and June 2022.
Participants were offered a vegan diet rich in complex carbohydrates, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, while low in processed sugars and harmful fats, with no calorie restrictions.
For exercise, they walked or performed strength training for 30 minutes, three times a week. Stress management included yoga, breathing exercises, and stretching.
“Intensive lifestyle changes rather than moderate ones seem to be required to improve cognition and function in those suffering from early-stage AD,” researchers noted.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, approximately 6.9 million Americans aged 65 or older have dementia related to Alzheimer’s. The disease has led researchers and drug companies to invest billions in developing treatments.
So far, only two drugs have received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Leqembi and Aduhelm.
