Engaging in structured exercise programs, dietary changes, cognitive activities, and social interactions has proven more efficient in combating cognitive decline than casual, self-initiated efforts.

The brain’s capabilities for memory, language use, and problem-solving typically diminish with age, often resulting in dementia. Nevertheless, studies indicate that up to 45% of global dementia cases are preventable by addressing 14 risk factors, which include inadequate education, social isolation, and brain injuries.

To explore strategies for preventing cognitive decline, Laura Baker from Wake Forest University School of Medicine in North Carolina and her team studied the American Pointer Study.

They involved over 2,100 individuals deemed at high risk for cognitive decline aged between 60 and 79, who led sedentary lifestyles, had suboptimal diets, and met at least two criteria related to dementia, such as a family history of memory issues.

Participants were randomly placed into one of two groups. Both were designed to promote physical and cognitive activity, healthy eating habits, and social interaction, although their methods varied.

One group followed a highly structured format, with 38 small group sessions across two years, led by trained facilitators who devised plans. This regimen also incorporated regular exercise at a community center along with weekly online brain training exercises.

The other group was less structured, participating in only six group meetings over the same two-year period. They were provided with public education materials and $75 gift cards aimed at encouraging behavioral changes, like attending gym classes.

After two years, both groups demonstrated enhancements in cognitive assessments measuring memory, executive function, and processing speed. The structured group saw an improvement of 0.24 standard deviations per year compared to their initial scores, while the self-guided group improved by 0.21 standard deviations per year.

“It’s remarkable that the structured care group has shown improvement,” remarks Gil Livingston from University College London. However, she points out the absence of a control group that received no intervention, making comparisons challenging between structured and self-directed participants.

Baker estimates significant declines in cognitive scores would have occurred without either regimen, claiming the benefits are significant. “A two-year structured intervention can effectively delay cognitive aging by nearly one to two years,” she states.

Baker mentions that improvement in both groups aligns with a placebo effect, suggesting that participants might have expected positive outcomes regardless of their group assignments.

Claudia Sumoto from the University of São Paulo in Brazil suggests the minor differences in cognitive scores between groups are likely imperceptible to participants and their families, given that dementia progresses gradually; clear effects may take more than two years to manifest.

Baker notes the team will continue monitoring participants for a total of six years, as the US Pointer Study has a four-year extension. “We’re observing subtle changes because they are cognitively normal individuals, and we are effectively slowing the rate of decline over time. We’re genuinely excited about empowering individuals at risk of dementia to take control of their health,” she remarks.

She believes that a structured approach is practical beyond the study context, emphasizing the need for caregivers and health professionals to motivate individuals rather than assuming high public expenditure is necessary to instill healthy habits.

“Overall, dementia care can be highly costly, and mitigating the burden can save expenses,” Livingston adds. “This study is crucial because lifestyle enhancements have shown benefits, and while guided support aids improvement, it’s not the only approach.”