A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association has found a strong link between lifestyle changes, including diet, exercise, and brain training, and improved cognitive function in older Americans.
The POINTER study, which involved over 2,100 people aged 60-79, aimed to test the effects of intensive lifestyle interventions on cognitive decline. Participants were divided into two groups: one that created their own plan for healthy eating and exercise, and another that followed a highly structured program that included aerobic exercise, Mediterranean diet, online cognitive training, social activities, and monitoring blood pressure and sugar levels.
Both groups showed improvements in memory and cognition, but the intensive group performed significantly better. The study’s findings are consistent with earlier research on the benefits of single interventions like exercise for reducing brain changes associated with aging.
The Alzheimer’s Association plans to invest $40 million over four years to implement the lessons learned from the POINTER study. To do so, they will be asking questions about how to deliver these lifestyle changes in a way that works for individuals and communities.
Key takeaways from the study include:
* A combination of diet, exercise, and brain training can improve cognitive function in older adults
* Intensive lifestyle interventions can lead to significant improvements in memory and cognition
* Socializing is one of the best ways to keep your brain young
* Small changes to daily habits, such as trying a new hobby or exercising with friends, can add up over time
As the Alzheimer’s Association looks to scale up these lifestyle interventions nationwide, experts emphasize the importance of buy-in from healthcare providers and access to technology-based tools. By making these kinds of changes, individuals may be able to delay cognitive decline and reduce their risk of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.
Source: https://www.npr.org/2025/07/28/nx-s1-5477556/aging-brain-health-lifestyle-diet-exercise-social-alzheimers