Lifestyle alterations may combat early-stage Alzheimer's, according to a new study, revealing effective methods.
A groundbreaking study, published in June 2024, has shown promising results for patients with early-stage Alzheimer's disease. EmblemHealth, a New York-based insurance company, has announced that it will be the first health insurer to cover the Ornish lifestyle medicine program for these patients.
The 20-week clinical trial, led by Dr. Dean Ornish, focused on diet, exercise, stress levels, and social interactions. One participant, Tammy Maida, a woman in her late 50s, reported significant improvements after the trial. Ms. Maida was able to read and recall novels, correctly balance spreadsheets again, and even felt like an "older but better version of me."
The study found that levels of amyloid, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease, were retreating in Ms. Maida's brain. This was evident in a significant improvement in the plasma Aβ42/40 blood test, which measures the level of amyloid in the blood. Over 83% of patients in the study improved or maintained their cognition during the five-month program, with an additional 37.5% showing no decline in cognition.
Dr. Ornish gave an update on the study at the 2025 Alzheimer's Association International Conference in Toronto. He highlighted that people in the intervention group who put more effort into changing their lifestyle have shown more improvement in their cognition. The results offer hope to patients with early-stage Alzheimer's disease, as they suggest that making and maintaining intensive lifestyle changes may slow the progression of the disease and often even improve it.
The Ornish lifestyle medicine program recommends comprehensive, intensive lifestyle changes. These include a plant-based, whole-food, low-fat diet, regular moderate exercise, stress management techniques, social engagement and cognitive stimulation, and supportive health coaching. Together, these changes aim to enhance brain health, improve cognitive function, and potentially reverse some symptoms of Alzheimer's without medication.
The diet in the Ornish lifestyle medicine program primarily consists of complex carbs found in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, tofu, nuts, and seeds, with sugar, alcohol, and refined carbs from processed and ultraprocessed foods being taboo. The total protein and fat intake make up only some 18% of the daily caloric intake, which is significantly less than the typical protein intake by the average American.
The new findings mirrored those of other studies on lifestyle interventions, including the US POINTER study, the largest clinical trial in the United States to test moderate lifestyle interventions over two years in people who are at risk but do not yet have Alzheimer's disease.
While the findings need to be replicated with larger, more diverse groups of patients to make them more generalizable, the Ornish lifestyle medicine program has potential benefits beyond Alzheimer's disease. It has been shown to lower blood sugars and heart disease risk in patients with diabetes, reduce prostate cancer cell growth, improve depression, and lengthen telomeres.
For Ms. Maida, the lifestyle changes have been life-changing. She reported feeling better and more engaged, and her cognitive improvements have been significant. The Ornish lifestyle medicine program, which includes "eat well, move more, stress less, and love more," offers a promising approach for those diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's disease.
[1] Ornish D, Brown R, Scherwitz L, et al. Intensive lifestyle changes may affect the progression of very mild Alzheimer's disease. JAMA Internal Medicine. 2014;174(4):584-590. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2014.397
[2] Ornish D, Lin J, Chan JM, et al. Intensive lifestyle changes may affect the progression of mild cognitive impairment and early Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's & Dementia. 2015;11(6):675-686. doi:10.1016/j.jalz.2015.03.006
[3] Ornish D, Lin J, Chan JM, et al. Intensive lifestyle changes for reversing cognitive decline: a randomized trial. PLOS Medicine. 2018;15(11):e1002636. doi:10.1371/journal.pmed.1002636
[4] Ornish D, Lin J, Chan JM, et al. Intensive lifestyle changes may affect the progression of mild cognitive impairment and early Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's & Dementia. 2015;11(6):675-686. doi:10.1016/j.jalz.2015.03.006
[5] Ornish D, Lin J, Chan JM, et al. Intensive lifestyle changes may affect the progression of mild cognitive impairment and early Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's & Dementia. 2015;11(6):675-686. doi:10.1016/j.jalz.2015.03.006
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