🧠 Effects of Intensive Lifestyle Changes on the Progression of MCI or early Alzheimer’s ((Ornish et al. Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy)

Published In: Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy
Date: June 2024
Authors: Ornish et al.
Link to Study: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13195-024-01482-z

Summary

This randomized controlled trial tested whether a comprehensive lifestyle program – featuring a plant-based diet, regular exercise, stress management, and group support – could slow or reverse cognitive decline in people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or early Alzheimer’s disease. After just 20 weeks, the intervention group showed significant improvements in several cognitive and functional measures, while the control group worsened. The lifestyle group also had favorable changes in blood biomarkers and gut microbiome profiles linked to Alzheimer’s progression.

Key Takeaways

✅ Participants in the lifestyle group improved or stabilized in cognitive tests, while the control group declined.
✅ Plasma Aβ42/40 ratio – a key Alzheimer’s biomarker – increased in the intervention group but decreased in controls.
✅ Beneficial changes were observed in the gut microbiome, such as increases in protective bacteria like Blautia and Eubacterium.
✅ The degree of lifestyle adherence was directly correlated with better cognitive outcomes and biomarker improvements.
✅ Significant changes required high adherence; partial changes were less effective.

Why It Matters for You

Even in early stages of Alzheimer’s, significant lifestyle changes may meaningfully improve or stabilize brain function. This gives hope that proactive, non-drug interventions could help preserve memory and independence longer.

Citation

Ornish, D., et al. (2024). Effects of intensive lifestyle changes on the progression of mild cognitive impairment or early dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease: a randomized, controlled clinical trial. Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy, 16(122). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13195-024-01482-z