Slowed Cognitive Decline Offers Hope in Alzheimer’s Fight
PARIS, FRANCE – Recent research indicates modest but critically importent progress in slowing cognitive decline in alzheimer’s patients thru lifestyle interventions, offering a glimmer of hope in the ongoing search for effective treatments. While a cure remains elusive, experts believe longer-term trials are needed to fully assess the impact of preventative measures.
Nearly half of all Alzheimer’s and dementia cases are linked to modifiable risk factors including obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, and hearing loss, according to a review published in The Lancet last year. Research is increasingly focused on determining whether programs promoting exercise and improved diet can combat the disease.
However, randomized controlled trials targeting these risk factors have, to date, shown “limited to no effects on cognitive decline or dementia,” according to richard (last name not provided in source). A recent study in JAMA found a slight slowing of cognitive decline in alzheimer’s patients after two years of intensive support focused on healthier living.
“It’s already huge,” compared to the situation just a few years ago, said French epidemiologist Cecilia Samieri, acknowledging that this progress may seem incremental to those directly affected by the disease. Samieri believes trials lasting 10 to 15 years are necessary to accurately gauge the effectiveness of long-term interventions against a disease like alzheimer’s.
The findings build on previous research exploring potential preventative measures, including the possible link between statin use and reduced dementia risk, even in individuals with low cholesterol, and studies examining generational shifts in dementia risk.
