You can fight existing signs of dementia with a healthy lifestyle, a new study suggests

Living a healthy lifestyle with a focus on a nutritious diet, regular exercise, minimum alcohol consumption, and other healthy habits can help keep the brain sharp into old age, according to doctors. A study conducted on 586 people found that a healthy lifestyle can protect against cognitive decline, even in individuals with signs of Alzheimer’s or other brain pathologies. The study observed the participants’ lifestyles for over two decades, emphasizing factors like non-smoking, exercise, limited alcohol intake, brain stimulation, and adherence to a Mediterranean-DASH diet. The researchers found that these lifestyle factors were associated with cognitive benefits, regardless of the presence of brain pathologies. The study provides insights into the modifiable risk factors for dementia and emphasizes the importance of lifestyle modifications in reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.