Cognition boost linked to dementia prevention
It’s possible to improve cognition over three years and therefore, likely enhance resilience to dementia, says Professor Henry Brodaty.

According to new research published in Nature Medicine, an internet-delivered lifestyle intervention has resulted in improved cognition in older Australians.
The clinical trial, Maintain Your Brain, assessed over 6,000 participants aged 55-77 from the Sax Institute’s 45 and Up Study via online tests that were established to target modifiable risk factors for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
A global cognition score from the online tests that measured memory, reasoning and speed of information processing, was calculated throughout the internet-based trial to attempt to prevent cognitive decline and dementia.

Research lead and UNSW’s Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing co-director Professor Henry Brodaty said that the findings had international significance.
“This intervention is scalable with the potential for population-level roll out that may delay cognitive decline in the general community,” Professor Brodaty said.
“We could essentially reduce worldwide dementia prevalence if this trial were implemented to the wider population.”
Participants in the study were from metropolitan, rural and remote areas and did not have dementia but carried at least two of the major risk factors for the syndrome.
The adults, who were divided in two groups were assessed via an online lifestyle intervention to prevent cognitive decline over a three-year period, with follow ups done at the end of each year, specifically testing whether improving lifestyle behaviours can slow cognitive decline.
Half of the participants received an active intervention including personalised coaching, physical activity, brain training and nutrition and mental health training. The other half – the control group – received publicly available information.
Key changes that led to improved cognition:
- a mediterranean diet with limited meat and dairy
- an increase in moderate-vigorous intensity exercises
- specific types of computerised brain training .
The trial directly or indirectly tackled several of the 14 modifiable risk factors, reported by the Lancet Commission, accounting for approximately 45 per cent of the risk of dementia.
Professor Brodarty said that both groups improved but the intervention group demonstrated the greatest benefit to date in a randomised control trial to prevent cognitive decline.
“The outcome highlights that we can improve cognition over three years and therefore, likely enhance resilience to dementia,” he said. “Our findings suggest personalising interventions and targeting a broad range of lifestyle factors are important for success.”
CHeBA’s advisory committee chair Ita Buttrose said they now had clear evidence to support a national dementia prevention program.

“Previously Australia has been a leader in prevention, particularly with smoking, skin cancer and HIV minimisation, but we have dropped the ball. Dementia is a prime example of where we can and must act now,” she said.
“This evidence demonstrates significant benefits to improving cognition and potentially delaying the onset of dementia.”
Ms Buttrose said it was time for Australia to think seriously about long term goals, to acknowledge the evidence and embrace the need for investment in prevention.
Professor Brodaty said this research brought new hope for the prevention of dementia.
“Future developments could focus on cultural adaptation, particularly targeting groups from lower socio-economic backgrounds and those with less education,” Professor Brodaty said.
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