Key takeaway

Strategies for modifiable risk reduction may enhance older persons’ cognitive function and dementia risk profile.

According to the results published in JAMA Internal Medicine, modifiable risk reduction measures increased cognitive scores as well as dementia risk variables and quality of life for older persons at risk for dementia. The study offers “strong evidence that enhancing lifestyle choices and health-related risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease improves cognition.

A total of 172 adults between the ages of 70 and 89 participated in a 2-year pilot randomized clinical study in which they were randomized to receive either a health education control or a tailored, multidomain intervention. Each participant received a customized intervention from a health coach and nurse, which was given over the phone or in person. A fitness tracker, mental games, and a portable blood pressure monitor for people with hypertension were among the self-monitoring tools and resources that were provided to the participants along with information on risk factors. Every three months, participants in the control group got educational materials via mail on reducing the risk of dementia.

The composite cognitive primary outcome’s intention-to-treat analysis revealed that the intervention group’s rise in cognition was 74% higher than that of the control group. Furthermore, the researchers noted that both quality of life and the composite risk factor score improved in the intervention group as compared to the control group.

In summary, a tailored, multidomain intervention lasting two years resulted in moderate improvements in cognition, dementia risk variables, and quality of life in this randomized clinical trial. For older persons who are at risk of dementia, modifiable risk-reduction techniques should be taken into consideration.

Reference: Yaffe K et al. Effect of Personalized Risk-Reduction Strategies on Cognition and Dementia Risk Profile Among Older Adults: The SMARRT Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Intern Med. 2023 Nov 27:e236279.