United States – New scientific work that was published on Friday indicates that some early Alzheimer’s disease patients could regulate the progression of the illness through regular exercise and a balanced diet.
Early Alzheimer’s Patients May Control Disease Progression
The peer-reviewed journal, Alzheimer’s Research and Therapy, detailed research that revealed that dementia sufferers in a group which underwent a specific set of ‘intensive’ lifestyle changes — including a strict change of diet toward whole foods, moderate physical activity, and stress management – demonstrated no further deterioration of dementia symptoms. On the other hand, the patients that did not change their behavior stated that their cognition and memory declined further, as reported by The Hills.
Study Details
The report revealed that there were 51 patients with AD, all of whom were between 45 and 90 years old, and they were recruited in the course of the study from September 2018 to June 2022.
The patients were given a vegan diet with an emphasis on complex carbohydrates and low-GI foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. While it did limit the consumption of processed sugars and other harmful fats, calories were free game.
For physical activity, they took a 30-minute walk or doing some strength exercises three times a week. Well being management was mainly through yoga, breathe control and stretches.
Researchers’ Conclusion
“Clearly, intensive lifestyle changes rather than moderate ones seem to be required to improve cognition and function in those suffering from early-stage AD,” researchers said.
It is understood that around 6.9 million people who are 65 years and older have dementia due to Alzheimer’s, as stated by the Alzheimer’s Association. The devastating disease has made researchers and firms invest billions in trying to find a drug that can help fight it, as reported by The Hills.
Only two drugs have won approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) so far: Leqembi and Aduhelm are the names of two similar drugs.