Multidomain lifestyle program involving high-intensity exercise, diet, and cognitive training provides a 14% annual improvement in cognitive function in older adults—especially those at risk of decline. Digest
Protecting brain health in later life may require more than just solving puzzles or eating leafy greens. As dementia cases rise globally, researchers are exploring whether lifestyle changes can alter the brain's trajectory. A recent study found that older adults who followed a structured, high-intensity lifestyle program improved global cognitive function by about 14% more per year than those who received only low-intensity, self-guided advice.
Researchers conducted a large two-year clinical trial involving 2,111 adults aged 60 to 79 who were sedentary, had unhealthy diets, and met at least two additional risk criteria, such as a family history of memory problems or cardiometabolic risk factors. The researchers randomly assigned participants to either a structured program that included regular moderate- to high-intensity exercise, adherence to the MIND diet, cognitive training, social engagement, and cardiovascular monitoring, or a self-guided version with general health recommendations but far less support and structure.
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After two years, both groups showed cognitive improvement, but the structured intervention group experienced a greater gain in global cognition—about 0.243 standard deviations per year—compared with 0.213 for the self-guided group, translating to an approximately 14% greater annual improvement in cognitive function. The benefit was consistent across genetic risk groups and was especially strong for participants who started with lower cognitive scores.
These findings suggest that a comprehensive, hands-on lifestyle program can offer meaningful cognitive benefits for older adults at risk of decline—especially those starting from a lower baseline. A crucial element of the intervention was exercise. Learn more about the immense effects of exercise on cognitive function in aging in this clip featuring Dr. Martin Gibala.