One of the biggest fears shared by almost all adults is losing memory and the ability to function in their later years of life. The specter of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)or related dementias is especially frightening for those who have witnessed older loved ones rapidly deteriorate.
World Alzheimer’s Day (September 21, Sunday) is a global effort to support research into finding a cure for this degenerative brain disease, which is estimated to affect more than 55 million people globally, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. While the Association notes that Alzheimer’s cannot be prevented, ongoing research continues to identify actions that may reduce risk of developing it. Additionally, researchers are working on ways to diagnose the disease much earlier than in the past.
Defining Alzheimer’s and Dementia
Dementia is an umbrella term that encompasses several conditions, one of which is Alzheimer’s Disease(AD). AD is a type of dementia that affects cognitive performance, memory and behavior, and it progressively worsens. It accounts for 60 – 80% of all dementia cases.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the disease typically begins with mild memory loss, difficulty keeping track of time and dates, and increasing challenges in holding or following conversations. As the condition advances, symptoms can intensify, including confusion, agitation, depression and severe anxiety.
AA’s U.S. POINTER Study Published
The study, “Effects of Structured vs. Self-Guided Multidomain Lifestyle Interventions for Global Cognitive Function: The U.S. POINTER Randomized Clinical Trial” was published this July in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
The U.S. POINTER study is described by the Alzheimer’s Association as a clinical trial that “evaluated whether lifestyle interventions that simultaneously target multiple risk factors protect cognitive function in older adults (age 60-79) at increased risk for cognitive decline. It is the first such study to be conducted in a large group of U.S. residents.”
The study enrolled 2,111 older adults at increased risk for cognitive decline and possible dementia, who were followed for two years. Notably, more than 30% of participants were from groups typically underrepresented in dementia research.
Participants were randomly assigned to either a self-guided or structured lifestyle program. Both interventions emphasized on increasing physical activity, improving nutrition, cognitive and social engagement and health monitoring, but they differed in terms of structure, accountability and the level of support provided.
The subjects in the US POINTER study engaged in three key practices:
- Physical exercise: 30-35 minutes of moderate-to-intense aerobic activity four times a week, plus strength and flexibility exercises twice a week.
- Cognitive exercise: A computer-based brain training program three times a week for 30 minutes, along with regular engagement in intellectually challenging and social activities.
- Nutrition: Adherence to the MIND diet, which emphasizes dark leafy greens, berries, nuts, whole grains, olive oil and fish, while limiting sugar and unhealthy fats.
Results from the U.S. POINTER clinical trial found that lifestyle interventions combining physical activity, improved nutrition, cognitive and social engagement, and health monitoring led to measurable improvements in cognition among older adults at risk for cognitive decline.
These findings are particularly significant because participants experienced cognitive improvement regardless of sex, ethnicity, genetic risk (presence of apolipoprotein-e4) or cardiovascular health status.
The study reinforces the powerful role of healthy behaviors in supporting brain health. Laura Baker, Ph.D., U.S. POINTER principal investigator commented, “The potential to improve cognition with fewer resources and lower participant burden is compelling. It highlights that while not everyone has the same access or ability to adhere to more intensive behavior interventions, even modest changes may protect the brain.”
How Stress and Poor Sleep Impact Aging Brains
Two key factors that can impede brain function are high stress and poor sleep, both of which affect millions of American adults. They play indirect roles in increasing the risk of developing AD.
Chronic stress elevates cortisol levels, which can damage the hippocampus, an area critical for memory and often affected early in Alzheimer’s. Research has also linked prolonged stress to accelerated formation of amyloid-beta plaques, a hallmark of the disease. Meanwhile The disruptions in slow-wave sleep impair the brain’s ability to clear these toxic proteins, according to another study.
Examining data from 7959 participants in the Whitehall II study, researchers investigated the association between sleep duration and incidence of dementia (521 diagnosed cases) over a 25-year follow-up. They concluded that “persistent short sleep duration at age 50, 60, and 70 compared to persistent normal sleep duration was also associated with a 30% increased dementia risk.”
Sleep disorders like insomnia and sleep apnea are also linked to a higher risk of cognitive decline. A 2021 study in Alzheimer’s & Dementia found that poor sleep quality correlates with faster cognitive decline in at-risk individuals.
Stress and Sleep Management Support
While dietary supplements are not intended to cure or prevent any disease state, they can help support health by promoting proper systemic, organ and cellular function.
Adaptogens are particularly valued for stress-reduction, with ashwagandha being one of the most widely studied. Prolanza™, a clinically validated ashwagandha root-only extract, has been shown at just 150 mg to significantly reduce cortisol, improve sleep quality and boost cognitive performance. Based on its robust clinical data, Prolanza™ was recently approved by HealthCanada.
Complementing Prolanza™ is Melotime™, a sustained-release melatonin. This patented technology ensures a steady release of melatonin over 8 hours, as supported by an open-label, cross-over pharmacokinetic study.
The Alzheimer’s Association notes that while managing stress and improving sleep may help reduce risk, these habits are not definitive preventions. However, healthy individuals can support daily cognitive well-being by incorporating Prolanza™ and Melotime™ into their supplement regimens.
Reviewed by Sneha Sawant Desai, PhD
