Along with the discussion of new medicines for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, a recent study has created a buzz. This study shows that this disease can be slowed down and possibly even stopped by making lifestyle changes. Some of its medicines are expensive and need to be taken repeatedly, while lifestyle changes provide long-lasting benefits.

Research by Dr. Dean Ornish found that an intensive program of diet, exercise, stress reduction, and social interaction slowed the brain decay seen in human tests of dementia and even improved symptoms in some people.

The study was conducted on 49 people

The study included 49 people who had mild mental impairment or early Alzheimer's. Half of the people followed the changes mentioned in Dr. Ornish's program for 20 weeks, while the other half continued their normal lifestyle. The researchers studied the blood and stool samples of these people.

How were the tests conducted?

Participants in the program were given three vegetarian meals and two snacks daily. In addition, they were required to do 30 minutes of aerobic exercise (mostly walking) daily and strength training exercises at least three times a week. To reduce stress, they were given one hour of meditation, yoga, and relaxation exercises daily. In addition, it was necessary to attend a support group three times a week. These participants were also given several vitamins and dietary supplements.

By the end of the study, those who made the lifestyle changes showed significant improvements on three of the four standard mental tests, compared with those in the control group, whose scores worsened on all tests. Although the improvements were small, Dr. Ornish says 20 weeks is a short time and these results are promising. He believes insurance companies will cover the program and it will help more people slow or stop the disease.