Healthy Lifestyle Didn't Change Brain Scans, But Still Helped At-Risk Seniors
Graded Strong — two-year randomized multicenter trial with 983 adults aged 60 to 79 at five US sites, though single-blind and the biomarker moderation findings were secondary analyses.
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- Participants
- 983
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This study suggests structured lifestyle programs may especially help those already showing early brain aging.
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.
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.
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