A groundbreaking study has revealed that adopting a healthy lifestyle could offer protection against cognitive decline, even in individuals who already show signs of dementia-related brain pathologies such as beta amyloid and tau.
Conducted by researchers at the Rush Institute for Healthy Aging in Chicago, the study involved autopsies of 586 participants who had been part of the Rush Memory and Aging Project. These individuals, who lived to an average age of 91, underwent cognitive and physical testing while also providing data on their lifestyles for over two decades.
The study focused on five key lifestyle factors: abstaining from smoking, engaging in regular exercise, moderate alcohol consumption, mental stimulation through activities like reading and games, and adherence to the Mediterranean-DASH Diet Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND diet).
Remarkably, the research found that individuals who adhered to these healthy habits exhibited cognitive benefits, regardless of the presence of dementia-related brain pathologies. This suggests that lifestyle changes could bolster brain resilience against common causes of dementia.
The Mediterranean-DASH Diet Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND diet), a hybrid of the Mediterranean and DASH diets, emphasizes the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and olive oil, while limiting red meat and sweets. This diet has been linked to improved brain health and reduced risk of cognitive decline.
Moreover, the study uniquely utilized autopsies to investigate the link between lifestyle factors and cognitive decline, shedding new light on modifiable risk factors for dementia.
For every increase in the healthy lifestyle score, researchers observed a decrease in beta-amyloid load in the brain and an improvement in cognitive performance. These cognitive benefits persisted regardless of the presence of various neurological conditions.
Although the study’s observational nature prevents definitive conclusions about causality, experts emphasize its significance in understanding how lifestyle modifications can mitigate the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
The findings underscore the importance of adopting healthy lifestyle habits as a proactive measure against cognitive decline, offering hope for individuals at risk of dementia and highlighting the potential for preventive strategies in combating neurodegenerative diseases.