A groundbreaking study showed that a healthy plant-based diet combined with light exercise, stress management, and group support improved both subjective and objective signs of brain function in people with early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. The study, conducted by Dr. Dean Ornish and his colleagues at the Institute for Preventive Medicine, involved 51 people, half of whom were assigned to a treatment group. 71% of participants in the treatment group saw their Clinical Global Impression of Change scores improve or stabilize, with those who adhered most consistently to the diet and lifestyle program seeing the greatest benefits. Meanwhile, 68% of those who made no changes saw their cognitive function worsen. In addition, the Aβ42/40 ratio, a blood marker of the amyloid protein associated with Alzheimer’s disease, improved by 6.4% in the intervention group, compared with an 8.3% decline in the control group. Overall, the results compared favorably to drug treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, with additional benefits including weight loss and improved cardiovascular health.
Dr. Ornish will be the opening presenter for a special section on brain health at the International Congress of Medical Nutrition on August 15, 2024. Registration is now open at PCRM.org/ICNM .
