Revolutionizing Prevention with a Tailored Approach
The ADDF and our funded researchers continue to lead the field in defining the evolving landscape of precision prevention for Alzheimer’s disease. We are shaping the science so that in the future we will be able to use each patient’s unique biomarker profiles to tailor prevention approaches specifically to them, combining lifestyle interventions with drugs to prevent Alzheimer’s.
In 2024, we saw exciting progress in the research of multimodal lifestyle interventions, which are key to the ADDF’s strategy as we drive further progress in prevention research. The work of three ADDF-funded scientists; Drs. Miia Kivipelto, Dean Ornish, and Richard Isaacson; was spotlighted in a CNN documentary, “The Last Alzheimer’s Patient,” which focused on the impact and value of lifestyle changes for preventing Alzheimer’s. And the Lancet Commission published a new report showing around 45% of dementia cases are potentially preventable by addressing 14 modifiable risk factors at different stages of life, with an introductory letter authored by Dr. Kivipelto.
Shaping the Future of Prevention Through Lifestyle Interventions
Combining Medical Foods with Lifestyle to Slow Cognitive Decline
The six-month MIND-AD trial, led by ADDF board member and recipient of the 2022 Goodes Prize, Dr. Miia Kivipelto, builds upon the findings of her landmark FINGER trial, which previously showed the cognitive benefits of lifestyle interventions. The new study looks at medical foods formulated to manage the specific dietary needs of participants in combination with lifestyle interventions, finding this reduced vascular risk and slowed cognitive decline more than lifestyle interventions alone.
Stronger Adherence to Lifestyle Changes Yields Greater Results
A small trial led by ADDF-funded Dr. Dean Ornish explored the use of intensive lifestyle interventions, including healthy eating, daily exercise, stress management, and support groups. The trial found 71% of the intervention group either saw improvement in their cognitive function or were unchanged, with results suggesting that the more patients adhere to lifestyle changes, the more they will benefit.
Sharing Reliable Information to Protect the Brain
To ensure our stakeholders have access to the latest, science-backed prevention research, the ADDF authors blogs through our Cognitive Vitality website that evaluate recent findings and deliver strategies for making smarter lifestyle decisions and promoting brain health. In addition, our science-backed ratings cover the scientific evidence around the safety and efficacy of select food, drinks, vitamins, supplements, and commonly prescribed drugs. And for our audience of physicians and researchers, the website also includes a dedicated section of in-depth reports by our expert team of in-house neuroscientists.
