Lower your dementia risk with these 2 simple routines: study

Keep this in mind.

Some 22% of adults 65 and older are believed to have trouble with their memory and thinking, also known as mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Individuals with MCI can perform most everyday activities and generally manage their own care.

An additional 10% of older adults are estimated to have dementia, which is more severe, interfering with daily life and threatening independence.

The number of new dementia cases is projected to double by 2060, primarily due to the aging population.

Now, new Alzheimer’s Association research — known as the POINTER study — finds that two special programs can protect against age-related cognitive decline in older adults.

“As the burden of dementia grows worldwide, US POINTER affirms a vital public health message: healthy behavior has a powerful impact on brain health,” said Alzheimer’s Association President and CEO Joanne Pike.

Research has suggested that about 40% of dementia cases could be prevented or delayed by addressing 14 modifiable risk factors — alcohol abuse, smoking, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, air pollution, brain injury, physical inactivity, depression, social isolation, hearing loss, lower levels of education, high cholesterol and vision loss.

The two-year POINTER trial evaluated the effectiveness of two “lifestyle interventions” that emphasized physical activity, nutrition, brain exercises, social engagement and heart health monitoring.

About 2,100 participants between 60 and 79 years old and at high risk of cognitive decline were split into two groups.

With the self-guided lifestyle intervention, participants attended six peer team meetings that encouraged behavioral changes.

Study staff provided general support but not goal-directed coaching.

The structured lifestyle intervention was more intense, goal-oriented and supportive.

Participants attended 38 peer team meetings over two years and received detailed recommendations for aerobic resistance and stretching exercises.

They were directed to follow the brain-healthy MIND diet and keep their noggin’ engaged with memory, attention and speed exercises.

A study clinician often reviewed their health metrics and goals with them.

About 89% of participants completed the final two-year assessment.

Cognitive function scores increased in both groups. The structured lifestyle intervention had better results, protecting the brain for up to two years.

The findings were presented Monday at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Toronto and published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).

There’s no cure for dementia, but treatments and therapies can help manage symptoms and potentially slow disease progression.

“The positive results of US POINTER encourage us to look at the potential for a combination of a lifestyle program and drug treatment as the next frontier in our fight against cognitive decline and possibly dementia,” Pike said.

The Alzheimer’s Association invested nearly $50 million to lead POINTER, with the National Institute on Aging at the National Institutes of Health chipping in for extra research.

The Alzheimer’s group plans to spend an additional $40 million over the next four years to track POINTER participants and introduce brain-healthy initiatives across America.

“While not everyone has the same access or ability to adhere to more intensive behavior interventions, even modest changes may protect the brain,” said Laura D. Baker, POINTER principal investigator and Wake Forest University School of Medicine professor.