A groundbreaking study by UC San Francisco and elsewhere has found that tailored health and lifestyle interventions can significantly delay or prevent memory loss in older adults at higher risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
Published in JAMA IM, the research offers a promising alternative to medication for combating this debilitating condition.
Tailored Coaching Yields Significant Cognitive Improvements
The two-year study involved 172 participants, with half receiving personalized coaching to improve health and lifestyle factors linked to Alzheimer’s risk, such as diabetes and physical inactivity.
Those who underwent personalized coaching showed a 74% improvement in cognitive testing compared to those without any intervention. Additionally, there were notable improvements in risk factors and quality of life, estimated at 145% and 8% respectively.
SMARRT Study: A Unique Personalized Intervention
Unlike previous studies with mixed results, the SMARRT (systematic multi-domain Alzheimer’s risk reduction trial) provided individualized coaching based on each participant’s risk profile, preferences, and priorities. This method proved more effective than standard, one-size-fits-all approaches.
Prior surveys indicated that most older adults are concerned about Alzheimer’s and are eager to make lifestyle changes to reduce their dementia risk. This study capitalized on that willingness to engage participants actively in their health management.
Future Implications: Beyond Medications
Pandemic Impact: Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the intervention group still demonstrated better cognitive and health outcomes, suggesting the robustness of the personalized approach.
Cost-Effective and Inclusive Strategy: Unlike expensive anti-amyloid medications with strict criteria and potential side effects, this risk-reduction program is more accessible and inclusive. It does not require intensive monitoring, making it a viable option for a broader population.
Combining Drugs and Lifestyle Changes: The study’s lead investigators, Dr. Kristine Yaffe and Dr. Eric B. Larson, hope that Alzheimer’s treatment will evolve to include both specific drugs and lifestyle modifications, similar to current approaches in cardiovascular disease management.
In summary, this study highlights the significant potential of personalized health and lifestyle changes in delaying or preventing Alzheimer’s disease, especially for higher-risk older adults.
It paves the way for more inclusive, cost-effective, and practical approaches to dementia care and prevention, offering hope for millions worldwide.
If you care about brain health, please read studies about vitamin D deficiency linked to Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia, and higher magnesium intake could help benefit brain health.
For more information about brain health, please see recent studies about antioxidants that could help reduce dementia risk, and coconut oil could help improve cognitive function in Alzheimer’s.
The research findings can be found in JAMA Internal Medicine.
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