Health – Exercise and diet can impact dementia

A new study has revealed two remarkably simple habits that could help delay Alzheimer’s disease.

Dementia is a disease that involves changes in memory, thinking, behaviour, personality and emotion ultimately affecting a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks. Sadly, almost 70,000 kiwis are living with dementia and this is expected to more than double to 170,000 by 2050. Alzheimer’s disease makes up two thirds of people living with dementia. 

Unfortunately Alzheimer’s remains largely untreatable, although scientists worldwide are seeking to better understand the disease and improve treatments. This means that currently there are no medications to cure or even delay progression of the disease, however several prescription medications available can be used to treat symptoms by improving attention, memory and the ability to engage. While these medications do not work for everyone, they are certainly worth a conversation with your GP.

With the lack of treatments available, scientists are now also researching lifestyle and nutritional factors as more novel approaches to delaying the disease. Studies show a relationship between reduced Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and dementia conditions like Alzheimer’s. This stands to reason since BDNF is a protein found in the brain that is involved in learning and memory. The newly released research found two simple lifestyle factors, exercise and certain diets, both increase BDNF, and thus may also help to delay Alzheimer’s disease. 

The study found that following a Mediterranean diet (including green leafy vegetables, wholegrains and fish) boosted BDNF levels. Certain nutritional supplements, such as Omega-3 and curcumin have also been linked to increased BDNF levels, although more research is needed to confirm these effects. Other dietary supplements that research indicates may help with cognitive functioning include bacopa and Lion’s Mane, plus a product from our very own backyard called cGP (extracted from NZ blackcurrants). Research into these nutraceuticals is ongoing.

Dementia impacts more women than men, so research is also underway to find out whether Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) may delay onset. However studies are currently limited with mixed results.

How can your pharmacist help? Always check with your pharmacist if dietary supplements are compatible with your medication. And although compliance packaging is simply an easier way to take your medications these days anyway, if you or a loved one are suffering from memory issues, it could prove to be a game changer.