Exploring a Multimodal Approach to Alzheimer’s Disease Prevention and Treatment

Alzheimer’s Disease currently affects 6.9 million Americans, with numbers expected to rise over the coming years as the “baby boomer” generation ages. The impact of Alzheimer’s Disease on affected individuals and their families is nothing short of devastating. Though the number of people impacted by this disease grows, the number of healthcare providers specializing in Alzheimer’s care and research is failing to keep up with the problem, leaving concerned and often desperate patients in the offices of primary care providers, cardiologists, etc. asking for help. This begs us to review the research and ask the question: “what (and who) is helping?” 

An abundance of recent studies underscores the importance of multimodal strategies in addressing Alzheimer’s Disease. A series of studies have explored how personalized lifestyle interventions, precision medicine, and an understanding of more novel biomarkers can collectively enhance cognitive outcomes for individuals at risk for, or in the early stages of, Alzheimer’s Disease. In reviewing the evidence, it is validating to know that the BaleDoneen Method has been implementing these interventions for the past 20 years. 

The Finnish FINGER Study

The Finnish FINGER Study (2018) highlighted the potential of a multifaceted intervention aimed at improving cardiovascular health to reduce Alzheimer’s risk. This two-year longitudinal study involved lifestyle modifications such as dietary changes, exercise, cognitive training and management of cardiovascular risk factors. Results indicated that participants who adhered to the program exhibited notable improvements in cognitive function, suggesting that comprehensive lifestyle adjustments can significantly influence neuroprotection and cognitive resilience. The initial FINGER study has spurred additional research through the Worldwide FINGERS studies.

Reference: Rosenberg A, Ngandu T, Rusanen M, et al. Multidomain lifestyle intervention benefits a large elderly population at risk for cognitive decline and dementia regardless of baseline characteristics: The FINGER trial. Alzheimers Dement. 2018;14(3):263-270. doi:10.1016/j.jalz.2017.09.006

Precision Medicine Approaches

A small pilot project titled “Precision Medicine Approach to Alzheimer’s Disease” (2022) marked a significant advancement in understanding the impact of tailoring interventions to individual patient profiles. Researchers identified specific genetic, biological and lifestyle factors that influence brain disease progression. By customizing treatment plans, the project was able to demonstrate improved cognitive outcomes in participants’ cognitive impairment.

Reference: Toups K, Hathaway A, Gordon D, et al. Precision Medicine Approach to Alzheimer’s Disease: Successful Pilot Project. J Alzheimers Dis. 2022;88(4):1411-1421. doi:10.3233/JAD-215707

Sustained Cognitive Improvement

Examined sustained cognitive improvement after following the precision medicine protocol noted above is further evidence of the efficacy of personalized interventions. Participants who engaged in targeted therapies — ranging from pharmacological treatments to behavioral and lifestyle modifications — showed measurable cognitive gains over the course of 10 years. This 2024 collection of case reports suggests that a nuanced approach, integrating both medical and lifestyle factors, can lead to enduring benefits for those with cognitive decline.

Reference: Bredesen DE, Ross MK, Ross S. Sustained Cognitive Improvement in Alzheimer’s Disease Patients Following a Precision Medicine Protocol: Case Series. Biomedicines. 2024;12(8):1776. Published 2024 Aug 6. doi:10.3390/biomedicines12081776

Lifestyle Interventions and Cognitive Decline

A compelling study published in 2024, “Effects of intensive lifestyle changes on the progression of mild cognitive impairment or early dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease: a randomized, controlled clinical trial,” examined the effects of an intensive lifestyle program on individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or early dementia. In this rigorous intervention, participants underwent significant lifestyle modifications, including adherence to a vegan diet, regimented physical activity, significant time requirements for yoga and meditation, cognitive training and social engagement. Those in the intervention group exhibited slower cognitive decline compared to the control group. This reinforces the idea that early and proactive lifestyle changes can play a critical role in mitigating the progression of Alzheimer’s Disease.

Reference: Ornish D, Madison C, Kivipelto M, et al. Effects of intensive lifestyle changes on the progression of mild cognitive impairment or early dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease: a randomized, controlled clinical trial. Alzheimers Res Ther. 2024;16(1):122. Published 2024 Jun 7. doi:10.1186/s13195-024-01482-z

Belly Fat as a Novel Biomarker

A study titled “Visceral and Subcutaneous Abdominal Fat Predict Brain Volume Loss at Midlife” (2024) provided valuable insights into the relationship between physical health and cognitive decline. Analyzing data from over 10,000 individuals, researchers found that higher levels of visceral abdominal fat were correlated with reduced brain volume, a key indicator of neurodegeneration, an effect that was particularly pronounced in women. This study highlights the importance of maintaining healthy body composition as part of a broader strategy to protect cognitive health.

Reference: Raji CA, Meysami S, Hashemi S, et al. Visceral and Subcutaneous Abdominal Fat Predict Brain Volume Loss at Midlife in 10,001 Individuals. Aging Dis. 2024;15(4):1831-1842. Published 2024 Aug 1. doi:10.14336/AD.2023.0820

Conclusion

Collectively, these studies emphasize a multifaceted approach, combining lifestyle modifications and awareness of physical health markers as promising avenues for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease. Patients evaluated and treated with the BaleDoneen Method are already benefiting from this multimodal proactive, rather than reactive, approach to cognitive health.