Results reported in a recent publication in Lancet have shown that a comprehensive programme which incorporates individual support for healthy eating, regular exercise and brain training reduced cognitive decline in older people at risk of dementia, as well as managing metabolic and vascular risk factors1. The study was conducted amongst People aged 60-77 who had a raised risk of dementia and cognition.
Physiotherapists, nutritionists and psychologists worked with the subjects in the intensive programme in individual and group sessions to help change specific aspects of their lifestyle. Such changes included the incorporation of aerobic exercise and progressive muscle and balance strength, healthy diet changes and computer based activities several times a week to support memory and cognitive function.
If you would like to know more about how you can get your own tailored dietary or exercise plan, please contact us to have a chat with one of our friendly therapists at 1300MYREHAB (1300 469 794) or at info@myrehabteam.com.au.
References
1. Ngandu T, Lehtisalo J, Soloman A, et al. A 2 year multi-domain intervention of diet, exercise, cognitive training, and vascular risk monitoring versus control to prevent cognitive decline in at-risk elderly people (FINGER): a randomised controlled trial. Lancet 2015.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(15)60461-5
Univadis (2015) [Online] Available on: http://www.univadis.co.uk/medical-news/287/Training-and-exercise-help-stem-mental-decline?utm_source=newsletter+email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=medical+updates+-+daily&utm_content=122914&utm_term=automated_daily#? (Accessed 17/03/2015)
Image courtesy of “photostock” @freedigitalphotos.net available on:
http://www.freedigitalphotos.net (Accessed on 23/03/2015)
