Trial Finds Structured Exercise and Diet Program Improved Cognition in Older Adults at Dementia Risk

The Independent reported that a structured two-year program of regular exercise and tailored nutrition improved cognition, episodic memory, executive function and processing speed in older adults at elevated risk of dementia. More than 1,000 participants aged 60 to 77 took part in the trial conducted across 12 countries in Latin America.

All were considered at risk because of age or conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol or smoking.

Roughly half were assigned to the active intervention while the remainder received only general health advice and attended four one-hour meetings. Those in the structured arm completed supervised exercise sessions four days a week, received personalised dietary guidance centred on green leafy vegetables, whole grains, berries, fish, nuts and beans, and took part in computer-based brain training.

Sessions were adapted to local culture, including salsa dancing, and diets were designed to remain affordable and locally available.

Participants also met in small groups for social interaction and had regular checks of blood pressure, weight and blood sugar. Researchers stated that the findings, published in The Lancet, show harmonised non-pharmacological interventions can be delivered across diverse sociocultural settings while maintaining standardisation and producing measurable cognitive benefits.

Alzheimer’s Society estimates that about a million people in the UK currently have dementia, a figure projected to reach 1.4 million by 2040.