A healthy lifestyle can prevent cognitive decline in older adults.

Elderly people who adopt certain lifestyle changes can prevent or delay cognitive decline. This is shown by research conducted in the United States and published on July 28 in the journal JAMA . "This is one of the most recent articles to reinforce the impact of healthy behavior on brain health," comments neurologist Ivan Okamoto of Einstein Hospital Israelita.

The authors reached this conclusion after two years of monitoring more than 2,000 elderly individuals aged 60 to 79, all of whom were at high risk of developing dementia. All were sedentary, had an unhealthy diet, a family history of memory loss, and cardiovascular risk.

To compare the effects of lifestyle changes, the researchers divided the volunteers into two groups. One group followed a structured intervention, with close monitoring, regular meetings, support, and specific goals. These elderly individuals received a detailed physical activity prescription, with goals for aerobic and resistance training, as well as nutritional guidance combining a Mediterranean diet with low salt intake, as well as intellectual activities and regular health check-ups .

The other group was simply guided to adopt healthy changes on their own, including diet and exercise, but without monitoring or goals. Ultimately, both groups saw a reduction in their risk of cognitive decline, but the results were better in the group that received more rigorous monitoring.

"What's behind this benefit is the development of cognitive reserve," explains Okamoto. "Previously, it was believed that above the age of 50, it wasn't possible to minimize the natural decline that occurs with age. Today, we know that maintaining a healthy routine, with physical activity and nutrition, and stimuli such as social connections, helps minimize this decline."

For the study authors, the results show that it is possible to eliminate modifiable risk factors for cognitive impairment with non-pharmacological interventions, which can be implemented easily and effectively.

Source: Einstein Agency

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