Study reveals simple lifestyle changes could help prevent dementia
PBS NewsHour
91,965 views Jul 31, 2025
An estimated 42% of Americans over 55 will eventually develop dementia. A new study revealed the strongest evidence yet that a balanced diet, consistent exercise and social activity helped improve cognition. Amna Nawaz discussed the study with Jessica Langbaum, the senior director of research strategy at Banner Alzheimer’s Institute.
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Transcript
anchor:
42% of Americans over
the age of 55 will eventually
develop dementia.
A new studyshows physical
exercise and adherence to a mind
diet, mandatory social
engagement and cardiovascular
health monitoring.
Elcome to the show.
Thank you for joining us.
You have long researched
Alzheimer's.
You are not involved in the
study.
But my understanding it was
already long believed that
things like diet and exercise
are critical to cognitive
ability.
Why is this new study getting so
much attention?
>> It took all of those
individual things that we talked
about.
Put them together in a
structured intervention.
Together these things can really
slow down memory.
behavior.
That does not sound like a lot.
Why is that so significant?
>> It shows that intervention
such as this can improve
memories.
T is showing we can change the
trajectory of aging.
What is notable is that these
interventions have effects.
That is something we need to
unpack.
Hese are people who are very
sedentary.
They have a lot of risk factors
for developing cognitive
impairment.
Anchor: You mention something I
want to underscore.
They were split into two groups,
one that had a more structured
program.
Ll the other was more
self-directed.
Did you see much difference much
difference?
>> Both groups improved.
I think this is something we
really need to think about.
How do we scale up
interventions?
That structured intervention.
How do we make this scalable and
communities?
Sosoeople can implement these
things into their daily lives?
Nchor: You are at this
conference that brings together
all of this research.
There are so many people out
there who are struggling.
They are looking for reasons to
be helpful.
As someone who lives and works
in his face, other reasons to be
optimistic?
>> I am very optimistic.
Ou have the best and brightest
minds.
There are new findings.
New treatments.
Ew ways to help patients.
'Ve become invigorated knowing
we are one step closer to
finding effective treatments and
preventative treatments.
For people living with these
diseases.
Anchor: I'm sure you've heard a
lot about people doing things
like crossword puzzles every day
to try to protect the cognitive
functions.
Give us a few quick tips.
What practices should people put
in place every day?
>> First and foremost, people
should find something they
enjoy.
If they are frustrated by it,
they will just give up.
Do it with someone else.
Socialization is key.
Omething you can adhere to.
That is very paramount.
What is good for the heart is
good for the brain.
A nice balanced diet.
A nutritious diet.
Want to highlight, find
something that you enjoy doing.
That you can stick to and do
with others.
>> Thank you so much for joining
us.
We appreciate your time.
>> Thank you.
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