LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KATV) — A recent study suggests that lifestyle modifications could prevent or delay some cases of dementia, according to Dr. Elizabeth Eoff, a Geriatrician from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Longevity Clinic.
The study, which involved 2,000 individuals with normal cognition but at risk of developing dementia, found that those who participated in lifestyle modification programs showed significant cognitive improvement over two years.
Dr. Eoff said, “Dementia affects over 6 million Americans and over 60,000 Arkansans.
“As people are aging, the numbers are growing. They anticipate, the studies that those numbers will double by 2060 I believe it is. And so, this underscores the need to identify and implement prevention.”
The study participants engaged in programs that included physical and mental activity, a healthy diet, social engagement, and cardiovascular health monitoring.
Dr. Eoff noted, “These patients actually their cognition improved over this two-year period. It was statistically significant, equating to approximately one to two years of Brain Age.”
Dr. Eoff emphasized the importance of addressing 14 modifiable lifestyle factors, which could potentially prevent or delay 40 to 45% of dementia cases.
These factors include education, cognitive stimulus, addressing vision or hearing loss, preventing and treating diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, elevated cholesterol, depression, smoking cessation, reducing alcohol, exercising, social engagement, preventing head trauma, and reducing air pollution.
She added, “Evidence is increasing and is stronger that many of these risk factors could be reduced with proper action.”
Dr. Eoff advised that interventions should ideally begin in young adulthood and continue throughout life.
She said, “We need to be getting physical activity, mental activity, eating a healthier diet, continuing social engagement.”
The study also highlighted the benefits of a diet combining the Mediterranean and DASH diets, focusing on leafy greens, berries, nuts, whole grains, fish, and olive oil while avoiding processed foods.
Dr. Eoff concluded, “Sleep is really important. There will actually be additional data from this study that will be published before the year is out. they also looked at their gut health, and sleep, and a few other items as well, which we’ll see more before the years out.”
UAMS is set to hold a free interactive event focusing on cognitive changes and dementia in September for caregivers and those impacted.
The two-part event will take place on the first floor of the Jo Ellen Ford Auditorium of the Reynolds Institute on September 16 and 30.
Part one, which will take place on September 16, will focus on exploring brain changes, while part two, which will take place on September 30, will focus on shifting needs and caregiving.
To reserve a spot or learn more about the event, you can contact your TLLC social worker at 501-686-6219, or contact Debbie Brady, LCSW at 501-686-5286 or dbrady2@uams.edu.