The largest internet-based trial aimed at preventing cognitive decline has demonstrated promising results, with participants showing improved cognitive function through targeted lifestyle interventions. The groundbreaking Maintain Your Brain study, conducted across New South Wales, followed over 6,000 adults aged 55 to 77 for three years, marking a significant advancement in dementia prevention research.
Significant Cognitive Improvements Through Lifestyle Modification
The study, published in Nature Medicine, revealed that participants receiving personalized online coaching in physical activity, nutrition, brain training, and mental health showed greater cognitive improvements compared to those who only received standard health information.
"We know that 45 percent of the risk for dementia can be explained by modifiable lifestyle factors, including physical inactivity, poor diet, reduced cognitive activity, and depression and anxiety," explains Henry Brodaty, study author and leading dementia researcher.
Comprehensive Intervention Strategy
The intervention program targeted multiple aspects of health:
- Physical Activity: Participants were prescribed 300 minutes of moderate or 150 minutes of vigorous exercise weekly, plus strength and balance training
- Nutrition: A Mediterranean diet focus emphasizing unprocessed plant foods, fish, and limited animal products
- Brain Training: Three 45-minute sessions weekly targeting seven cognitive domains
- Mental Health: Digital cognitive behavioral therapy program for depression and anxiety management
Measurable Impact and Engagement Correlation
The study demonstrated a clear correlation between engagement levels and outcomes. Professor Brodaty notes, "A third of people did nothing, a third did something, and a third did a lot. As expected, those who engaged more showed better results."
While the overall cognitive improvement was described as "small," researchers emphasize its significance at a population level. The improvement is estimated to be equivalent to delaying dementia onset by one year, which could potentially reduce dementia cases by 10 percent nationally.
Broader Health Benefits and Accessibility
Beyond cognitive improvements, participants reported enhanced physical activity levels, dietary habits, and mental health scores. The online delivery format proved particularly valuable for reaching participants across metropolitan, rural, and remote areas, demonstrating the program's potential for widespread implementation.
Future Implications and Challenges
Ralph Martins, professor of ageing and Alzheimer's disease at Edith Cowan University, praised the study's scale and approach while noting areas for improvement, such as addressing participation rates and including genetic risk factor screening.
Looking ahead, researchers aim to expand the program's reach to underserved populations and incorporate additional risk factors. Professor Brodaty envisions collaboration with primary health networks and GPs to implement this as a prevention program, potentially creating what he calls the "'slip, slop, slap' of brain health."
