Researchers in Japan studied whether making healthy lifestyle changes could slow down memory problems in older adults who had heart disease risk factors like high blood pressure or high cholesterol. They followed 298 people aged 65-85 for 18 months, comparing those who made lifestyle changes with those who didn’t. The good news: people with untreated health problems who made these changes showed better brain function than those who didn’t. This suggests that it’s never too late to start protecting your brain, especially if you have conditions like high blood pressure or high cholesterol that haven’t been well-controlled.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Can a program combining exercise, healthy eating, brain training, and managing health conditions help older adults with early memory problems stay sharp longer?
  • Who participated: 298 people between ages 65-85 who had early signs of memory loss and at least one untreated or poorly controlled health problem like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or high blood sugar.
  • Key finding: People with untreated health problems who participated in the lifestyle program showed meaningful improvements in brain function tests compared to those who didn’t participate. The improvement was about 11% better than the control group.
  • What it means for you: If you’re over 65 and have memory concerns plus health issues like high blood pressure or cholesterol, making lifestyle changes may help protect your brain. However, this doesn’t replace medical treatment—it works alongside it.

The Research Details

This was a randomized controlled trial, which is considered one of the strongest types of research. Researchers randomly divided older adults into two groups: one group received a multidomain intervention (a program combining multiple healthy lifestyle approaches), while the other group received standard care. The intervention lasted 18 months and included exercise, nutritional counseling, cognitive training (brain exercises), and management of heart disease risk factors. Researchers tested participants’ memory and thinking skills at the start and throughout the study using standard neuropsychological tests. They then compared how much each group’s brain function changed over time. The key innovation was examining whether people with untreated or poorly controlled health conditions (like high blood pressure) benefited differently from the program than those with well-controlled conditions.

This research design is important because it helps answer a crucial question: does treating multiple health factors together work better than treating them separately? By looking at how vascular risk factors (heart disease-related problems) interact with lifestyle interventions, researchers can understand who benefits most from these programs. This helps doctors and patients make better decisions about which interventions to prioritize.

This study has several strengths: it used random assignment to reduce bias, it measured objective outcomes (standardized brain tests), it followed participants for a reasonable length of time (18 months), and it was published in a respected peer-reviewed journal. The study was registered before it began, which increases credibility. However, the sample size of 298 is moderate, and the study was conducted in Japan, so results may vary in other populations. The study focused on people with early memory problems, so findings may not apply to those with more advanced dementia.

What the Results Show

The most important finding was that people with untreated or poorly controlled vascular risk factors (like high blood pressure or high cholesterol) who participated in the lifestyle intervention showed significantly better brain function improvements compared to those who didn’t participate. Specifically, their cognitive scores improved by about 0.11 points on a standardized scale, which was statistically significant. This improvement was not seen in people whose health conditions were already well-controlled. The intervention also led to improvements in blood pressure control and cholesterol levels, particularly raising ‘good’ cholesterol (HDL) and lowering triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood). These physical health improvements likely contributed to the brain benefits observed.

Beyond the main cognitive findings, the study showed that the multidomain intervention successfully improved several cardiovascular health markers. Systolic blood pressure (the top number in blood pressure readings) decreased in the intervention group. HDL cholesterol (the protective type) increased, and triglyceride levels decreased. These improvements in heart health are important because they suggest the intervention was working on the underlying health problems that threaten brain function. The fact that physical health improvements accompanied cognitive improvements suggests these benefits are connected.

Previous research has shown that lifestyle interventions can help slow cognitive decline in older adults, but this study adds important new information: people with untreated or poorly controlled health conditions may benefit even more than those with well-controlled conditions. This finding suggests that addressing multiple health factors simultaneously—rather than just one—may be particularly powerful for brain protection. The study supports earlier research showing that heart health and brain health are closely connected.

Several limitations should be considered when interpreting these results. First, the study only lasted 18 months, so we don’t know if benefits continue longer or eventually fade. Second, the study was conducted in Japan with Japanese participants, so results may differ in other populations with different genetics, diets, or healthcare systems. Third, the study focused on people with mild cognitive impairment, so findings may not apply to people with normal memory or advanced dementia. Fourth, the study didn’t track whether participants actually stuck with the lifestyle changes long-term. Finally, the improvement in brain function, while statistically significant, was modest in absolute terms, so real-world impact may vary between individuals.

The Bottom Line

If you’re over 65 and have early memory concerns plus untreated or poorly controlled health conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or high blood sugar, discuss with your doctor about participating in a comprehensive lifestyle program that combines exercise, healthy eating, cognitive training, and medical management. This research suggests moderate confidence that such an approach may help protect your brain function. However, this should complement, not replace, medical treatment for your health conditions.

This research is most relevant for people aged 65 and older who have noticed early memory problems and have at least one untreated or poorly controlled cardiovascular risk factor. It’s also important for family members and caregivers of such individuals, as well as healthcare providers designing dementia prevention programs. People with well-controlled health conditions may still benefit from lifestyle interventions, but the evidence is stronger for those with untreated or poorly controlled conditions. People under 65 or those without memory concerns should focus on preventing these problems through early lifestyle changes.

Based on this study, you might expect to see measurable improvements in brain function within 18 months of consistently following a multidomain intervention program. However, benefits likely develop gradually, not overnight. Most people won’t notice dramatic changes in daily memory function, but standardized cognitive tests would show improvement. To maintain benefits, these lifestyle changes would likely need to continue long-term, though this study didn’t specifically examine what happens after the intervention ends.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track three key metrics weekly: (1) minutes of physical activity (aim for 150 minutes per week), (2) blood pressure readings if you have a home monitor, and (3) completion of cognitive training exercises (aim for 3-4 sessions per week). Create a simple weekly scorecard showing how many days you met each goal.
  • Use the app to set up a structured program combining: daily 30-minute walks or exercise sessions, weekly meal planning with heart-healthy recipes, three weekly cognitive training sessions (brain games or puzzles), and medication reminders for blood pressure or cholesterol medications. Set daily notifications for each activity and track completion with a simple checklist.
  • Establish a baseline of your current cognitive function and health metrics (blood pressure, cholesterol if available) at the start. Track progress monthly by reviewing your activity completion rates and any available health measurements. Every 3-6 months, reassess your cognitive function using simple self-administered tests available through the app, and share results with your healthcare provider to adjust the program if needed.

This research suggests that multidomain lifestyle interventions may help protect brain function in older adults with memory concerns and untreated cardiovascular risk factors. However, this study should not be considered medical advice. If you have concerns about memory loss, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or other health conditions, consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new intervention program. This research is not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment. Individual results may vary, and what works for one person may not work for another. Always discuss any significant lifestyle changes with your doctor, especially if you take medications or have existing health conditions.