Healthy Lifestyle Didn't Change Brain Scans, But Still Helped At-Risk Seniors
Based on: Brain Imaging Biomarkers and Cognitive Outcomes in a Multidomain Lifestyle Intervention: The POINTER Imaging Ancillary Study.
In older adults at risk for cognitive decline, a two-year program of exercise, better diet, and social engagement didn't visibly change brain biomarkers like amyloid or shrinkage. But people who started with smaller hippocampi (the brain's memory hub) got more cognitive benefit from the structured version. So the lifestyle changes may help thinking even without obviously reshaping the brain.
Key Insight
This study suggests structured lifestyle programs may especially help those already showing early brain aging.
Original Paper
Harrison TM, Harvey DJ, Chadwick T, Chao Y, Taggett J, Maillard P, Lovato L, Farias ST, Papp KV, Lockhart SN, Toga AW, Koeppe RA, Jung Y, Jagust WJ, Whitmer RA, Snyder HM, Carrillo MC, Baker LD, Espeland MA, Vemuri P, DeCarli C, Landau SM
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Disclaimer: Research summaries are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your health routine.