The Right Lifestyle May Delay or Prevent Dementia in Older Adults

Older adults at risk for dementia who adopt a healthy lifestyle can dramatically reduce their chances of developing cognitive decline, even if they are in their 60s or 70s, new research suggests. The findings are the result of the first long-term study that targeted several dementia risk factors simultaneously. It involved 1,260 adults aged 60 to 77 who were healthy, but were thought to be at risk for cognitive decline based upon their scores on a measure of dementia risk and tests of cognitive performance.

Participants were divided into two groups. One group received nutritional training and ate a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, engaged in strength and aerobic exercise up to six times per week, received computer-based cognitive training, participated in regular social activities, and had periodic medical examinations to monitor vascular risk factors. The other group received only basic health advice. After two years, members of the intervention group performed 40 percent better on tests measuring memory, speed of information processing, and executive function (decision making, planning, and problem-solving) than did the group that received only health advice, according to a paper presented July 13 at the 2014 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Copenhagen. “This is very positive news. …It seems to be possible even for elderly persons and those who have worse cognition to get the benefit of the intervention,” the lead author said. MMM

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