Breaking News: Study Reveals Lifestyle Changes That Combat Early-Stage Alzheimer’s—Find Out How You Can Fight Back!

By Sandee LaMotte, CNN

Tammy Maida, at 68, faced the terrifying grip of Alzheimer’s disease in her 50s. Everyday items like car keys and eyeglasses vanished, and she struggled to remember stories in books. Her life felt like it was slipping away. “I thought I was losing my mind,” she shared in a CNN documentary with Dr. Sanjay Gupta. That fear was crippling.

However, after participating in a clinical trial focusing on lifestyle changes—like diet and exercise—Tammy noticed a remarkable shift. She could read and recall novels again, and a blood test showed drops in amyloid levels in her brain, a marker of Alzheimer’s, according to a recent study.

“I’m coming back,” she said, feeling revitalized. After 40 weeks of this program, her cognitive function continued to improve, according to Dr. Dean Ornish, the study’s lead researcher. While not everyone in the study benefited equally, 46% showed marked improvements across various cognitive tests. Additionally, 37.5% maintained cognitive function throughout the trial.

Ornish remarked that this study’s results align with previous lifestyle research. For instance, the US POINTER study, the largest trial in the U.S. examining lifestyle impacts on cognitive health, has similar findings. “Our study provides fresh insights into how intensive lifestyle changes can potentially halt or even reverse cognitive decline,” he mentioned.

Unlike traditional Alzheimer’s medications that may have side effects like brain swelling, lifestyle changes offer a healthier option. Recently, EmblemHealth became the first insurer to cover Ornish’s lifestyle program for early-stage Alzheimer’s patients, emphasizing the shift toward prevention and wellness.

Ornish’s mantra is simple: “Eat well, move more, stress less, and love more.” This comprehensive approach has been effective beyond Alzheimer’s—previous studies show benefits for heart disease and diabetes as well. The program encourages whole plant-based foods, regular exercise, stress management techniques like meditation, and even sleep quality improvement.

Participants engaged in group sessions, connecting emotionally and socially. This community support boosts motivation, which is crucial for lifestyle changes. Supplementation complemented the program, ensuring participants received essential nutrients.

An interesting trend was observed: those who put the most effort into lifestyle changes enjoyed the greatest cognitive improvements. “There’s a clear link between how committed participants were and the outcomes we saw,” Ornish stated. Interestingly, the people who initially did not participate in the intervention also exhibited cognitive declines, but later reversed that when they joined the program.

Rudy Tanzi, a Harvard neurologist involved in Alzheimer’s research, illustrated that brain damage, like water in a sink, takes time to clear. It’s not enough to stop the decline; you need proactive measures to see significant change.

Testing during the study revealed some encouraging signs with blood markers associated with Alzheimer’s. However, it also raised questions. Dr. Suzanne Schindler, a neurology professor and expert in blood biomarkers, pointed out that while some blood tests indicated improvement, others did not. This discrepancy suggests the need for further studies with larger, diverse groups to confirm these findings.

For Ornish, these results offer hope, especially to those faced with grim Alzheimer’s diagnoses. “People are often told it’s only going to get worse. This new approach can empower them,” he said. With the right lifestyle changes, many may slow down or even improve their condition. “We’ve only scratched the surface; there’s still much to explore,” he added.

As awareness grows about the potential of lifestyle modifications in treating cognitive decline, it becomes clearer that hope, health, and community support are our greatest allies in this fight.

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