New study showing how early stage Alzheimer's disease could be reversed!

The results from the first randomized, controlled clinical trial conducted by Ornish et al., (2024) were published this week. The study was conducted to determine if intensive lifestyle changes may beneficially affect the progression of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or early dementia due to Alzheimer's disease (AD). 

Participants in the intervention group were engaged in a serious of intensive lifestyle changes over 20 weeks which involved 1) consuming a whole foods minimally-processed plant-based (vegan) diet, high in complex carbohydrates, 2) doing 30 minutes a day of aerobic exercise and 3 times a week mild strength training, 3) Stress management training using yoga, breathing exercises, progressive relaxation and/or guided imagery, and 4) group support attended also by their spouse/ study partner 3 times per week. 

The results found that those with mild cognitive impairment or early dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease, who fully engaged in the comprehensive lifestyle program, improved in cognition and function in several standard measures after 20 weeks. Whereas those in the randomized control group who continued with their usual care and support and who were asked to not make any new lifestyle changes in the 20 weeks, had no overall improvement, and infact were found to have a worsening in their cognition and function during that period.

The overal conclusion looks promising for future studies and care programs to include comprehensive lifestyle changes to improve cognition and function especially with those with mild cognitive impairment in the early stages of AD.

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(1), p.122.