TAMPA, Fla. — Florida has the second-highest number of people living with Alzheimer’s in the country, according to the Alzheimer’s Association, and a new clinical trial is offering ways to best prevent the disease.
The U.S. POINTER clinical trial, published in late July, is the first large study of its kind to show lifestyle changes can prevent cognitive decline.
Exercising is part of Tampa resident Connor Shinberger’s weekly routine.
“Sometimes biking, walking, running but a lot of strength training as well,” said Shinberger.
She works out at least half an hour five times a week.
“It’s a good stress release. It makes your mind feel clear and also a sense of accomplishment when you’re done,” Shinberger said.
She said she has always tried to stay fit but became more mindful of it when her grandfather was diagnosed with dementia in 2019.
“He’s changed a lot in terms of just knowing who people are, having a hard time engaging in social interactions, and day-to-day tasks are very difficult. He can no longer drive. He’s in an assisted living facility just because he needs some extra help and support,” she said.
It was his diagnosis that prompted her to research dementia prevention.
“I think anybody with a brain is at risk of getting dementia or Alzheimer’s. That’s why, taking these preventative measures the best that I can.”
New data from the U.S. POINTER clinical trial showed physical activity, improving nutrition, cognitive and social challenge and health monitoring improved the cognitive skills of older adults.
“This trial shows fully that if you have structured lifestyle interventions that affect a lot of different risk factors that are associated with cognitive decline that there is true improvement and there is true benefit,” said Kristie Wallace, Alzheimer’s Association community educator.
The trial is the first of its kind to show that these activities work across diverse communities, regardless of age, gender or genetic risk.
“There’s no difference, in those different populations,” Wallace said.
Like the data shows, exercising is only a small part in Alzheimer’s prevention, so Shinberger said she is trying to eat right and challenge her brain, too.
“You have to control the controllables and this is one small part of something I can do. Exercising, eating healthy, controlling what I can,” Shinberger said.
At the end of the day, Shinberger said there is no downside to exercising and eating right, but she hopes it comes with an added benefit.
“Hopefully prevent the start of dementia and Alzheimer’s,” she said.
There were over 2,100 people in this trial. A majority of them are continuing to work with U.S. POINTER. Researchers will observe them for four more years to learn how these changes will be in the long term.
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