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Maintaining Your Brain: How Lifestyle Changes Can Make a Difference
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Maintaining Your Brain: How Lifestyle Changes Can Make a Difference

19 Mar Maintaining Your Brain: How Lifestyle Changes Can Make a Difference

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A recent Australian study, the “Maintain Your Brain” trial, has provided exciting new insights into the potential of lifestyle interventions to delay cognitive decline and potentially reduce the risk of dementia. Published in Nature Medicine, this large-scale study followed over 6,000 older adults and found that an online program targeting diet, exercise, brain training, and mental health led to measurable improvements in cognitive function.

The study highlighted that a significant portion of dementia risk (around 45%) can be attributed to modifiable lifestyle factors. These include physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, lack of cognitive stimulation, and mental health issues like depression and anxiety. The “Maintain Your Brain” program addressed these factors through personalized online coaching, focusing on:

  • Physical Activity: Encouraging regular moderate-intensity exercise, strength training, and balance exercises.
  • Nutrition: Promoting a Mediterranean-style diet rich in plant-based foods, healthy fats, and lean protein.
  • Brain Training: Engaging participants in cognitive exercises targeting various cognitive domains like memory, reasoning, and processing speed.
  • Mental Health: Providing access to a digital mental health program based on cognitive behavioural therapy to address depression and anxiety.

The results showed that participants who received the online coaching demonstrated better cognitive performance compared to the control group, suggesting that these lifestyle changes can indeed have a positive impact on brain health. The study also found improvements in self-reported physical activity levels, dietary habits, and mental well-being.

How Brighton Spine & Sports Can Support Your Brain Health

The findings of the “Maintain Your Brain” study underscore the importance of a holistic approach to brain health, and this is where the expertise of the physiotherapists and dietitians at Brighton Spine & Sports can be invaluable.

Physiotherapy with Emily Green:

Emily has clinical expertise with clients experiencing a range of complex conditions, however her main interests include working with people with vestibular disorders; falls and balance retraining; neurological conditions.

Emily’s approach to maintaining your brain health through physiotherapy includes:

  • Personalized Exercise Programs: Emily can design tailored exercise programs to help you meet the recommended physical activity guidelines. She can assess your current fitness level, identify any limitations or injuries, and create a safe and effective plan that incorporates aerobic exercise, strength training, and balance work, all crucial for cognitive health.
  • Balance Training: Balance is crucial for preventing falls, which can be particularly detrimental to older adults. Our physiotherapists can assess your balance and provide targeted exercises to improve your stability and reduce your risk of falls. Find out more about how physiotherapy can help vestibular disorders in our blog here.

Dietetics with Amy Peng

Amy Peng is an Accredited Practising Dietitian and Nutritionist. She can help with your journey in brain health with the following:

  • Nutritional Guidance: Amy can provide personalized dietary advice based on your individual needs and preferences. She can help you adopt a brain healthy diet, ensuring you’re getting the essential nutrients for optimal brain health. She can offer practical tips for meal planning, grocery shopping, and cooking, making it easier to incorporate healthy eating habits into your daily life.
  • Addressing Specific Needs: Amy can also help manage any underlying health conditions that may impact cognitive function, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or obesity.

A Collaborative Approach:

At Brighton Spine & Sports, our physiotherapists and dietitians work collaboratively to provide comprehensive care. They can communicate with each other to ensure your exercise and nutrition plans are aligned and support your overall brain health goals.

Taking Control of Your Brain Health:

The “Maintain Your Brain” study offers a message of hope: you can take steps to protect your cognitive health. By adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, a nutritious diet, and cognitive stimulation, you can contribute to maintaining your brain function as you age. Brighton Spine & Sports is here to support you on this journey. Contact us today to learn more about how our services can help you prioritize your brain health and well-being.

 

Parts of this blog were taken directly from ABCNews article “Lifestyle intervention trial targeting dementia risk factors improves cognition in older adults”.