In a significant breakthrough, scientists have uncovered the key factors that contribute to maintaining a sharp mind as individuals age, providing valuable insights into reducing the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Published in JAMA Neurology, a recent study focused on 586 individuals, with an average age of 91, shedding light on the impact of lifestyle choices on brain health.
The participants, part of the renowned Rush Memory and Aging Project, underwent regular mental and physical assessments over two decades. The study identified five crucial lifestyle factors linked to improved brain health, even in individuals exhibiting signs of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
The factors contributing to enhanced brain health include:
- No Smoking:
- Participants labeled as following a healthy lifestyle refrained from smoking.
- Exercise:
- Engaging in moderate to vigorous exercise for at least 150 minutes per week.
- Limited Alcohol Consumption:
- Restricting alcohol use to one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men.
- Brain-Stimulating Activities:
- Participation in activities such as reading, playing games, and visiting museums to stimulate the brain.
- MIND Diet:
- Following a variation of the MIND diet, which emphasizes a Mediterranean-DASH intervention for neurodegenerative delay, incorporating green, leafy vegetables, berries, nuts, olive oil, whole grains, fish, beans, poultry, and a glass of wine.
Lead author Dr. Klodian Dhana emphasized the study’s primary goal: to explore the influence of lifestyle choices on dementia development amid progressive brain changes with age. Participants adhering to healthier lifestyles exhibited lower levels of beta-amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer’s disease and performed better on cognitive tests measuring memory and attention span.
Importantly, these benefits were observed irrespective of whether participants displayed signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s in their brains, underscoring the enduring impact of adopting positive lifestyle factors on cognitive well-being.
