Alzheimer’s disease remains a growing concern, especially among older adults.
A new study led by researchers from UC San Francisco and Kaiser Permanente Washington has found that personalized health and lifestyle changes can significantly delay or even prevent memory loss in higher-risk individuals.
Unlike traditional approaches, this two-year study employed tailored coaching and interventions, yielding promising results that provide hope for those at risk of Alzheimer’s.
The study, known as SMARRT (Systematic Multi-domain Alzheimer’s Risk Reduction Trial), enrolled 172 participants, half of whom received personalized coaching to enhance their health and lifestyle in areas associated with a higher risk of Alzheimer’s, including factors like uncontrolled diabetes and physical inactivity.
This personalized coaching approach aimed to address individualized risk profiles and priorities, departing from the one-size-fits-all model.
Positive Cognitive and Health Outcomes
The study’s results were compelling. Participants who received personalized coaching experienced a notable improvement in cognitive testing, amounting to a 74% enhancement compared to the non-intervention group.
Additionally, improvements were observed in various measurements, including risk factors and quality of life, showing approximately a 145% improvement in risk factors and an 8% enhancement in quality of life.
Motivation and Personalization
The study’s unique approach was guided by the motivation of older adults to make meaningful lifestyle changes to reduce their Alzheimer’s risk.
An earlier survey revealed that most older adults were deeply concerned about Alzheimer’s and were highly motivated to adopt healthier lifestyles to lower their dementia risk.
This motivation underscored the value of personalizing interventions to address individual risk factors, preferences, and priorities.
Customized Coaching Approach
Participants in the intervention group engaged with nurses and health coaches, identifying specific risk factors they wanted to target.
These participants received coaching sessions at regular intervals to review their goals, which ranged from managing hypertension to increasing daily physical activity.
Importantly, these sessions adapted to the changing circumstances brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, switching from in-person meetings to phone calls when necessary.
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the study’s positive effects were not offset.
Participants who received interventions fared better in terms of cognition and risk factors, even during the pandemic, compared to before the trial. This resilience highlights the potential long-term benefits of personalized health interventions.
Future Perspectives
The findings from this study hold significant promise for the future of Alzheimer’s prevention and management. Unlike expensive anti-amyloid medications, risk-reduction programs offer a cost-effective and accessible approach to mitigating Alzheimer’s risks.
The hope is that future Alzheimer’s treatment will combine risk-reduction strategies with targeted drugs tailored to disease mechanisms, mirroring the approach used in managing cardiovascular diseases.
In conclusion, this study underscores the transformative potential of personalized health interventions in delaying or preventing memory loss in older adults at risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
It highlights the importance of individualized care and motivation in promoting healthier lifestyles and overall cognitive well-being.
If you care about Alzheimer’s disease, please read studies about New Alzheimer’s treatment: anti-inflammatory drug may prevent memory loss and findings of The diabetes drug surprise: a possible shield against Alzheimer’s?
For more information about Alzheimer’s disease, please see recent studies about Foods that reduce Alzheimer’s risk and results showing that Scientists link dietary antioxidants to Alzheimer’s prevention.
The research findings can be found in JAMA Internal Medicine.
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