A healthy diet and consistent exercise may slow the decline in some patients with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, according to research. Published Friday.
The study, published in the journal Alzheimer’s Research and Therapy, found that patients in a group who implemented “intensive” lifestyle changes — such as eating whole foods, engaging in moderate exercise and performing stress management techniques — saw their dementia symptoms improve. stabilize. In the other group, patients who did not change their habits found that their thinking and memory continued to worsen.
There were 51 patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), all ages 45 to 90, enrolled in the study between September 2018 and June 2022, according to the report.
Patients were given a vegan diet with high amounts of complex carbohydrates such as fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. It was low in processed sugars and harmful fats, but calorie intake was unrestricted.
To exercise, they walked or did some strength exercise for 30 minutes, three times a week. Stress management was predominantly done through yoga, breathing exercises and stretching.
“Clearly, intensive lifestyle changes, rather than moderate changes, appear to be necessary to improve cognition and function in those suffering from early-stage AD,” the researchers said.
About 6.9 million Americans, ages 65 and older, have Alzheimer’s-related dementia, according to to the Alzheimer’s Association. The mind-stealing disease has led researchers and pharmaceutical companies to spend billions to create a medicine to help combat it.
Only two drugs have received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) so far: Leqembi and Aduhelm.
This story originally appeared on thehill.com read the full story
