"By building up cognitive reserve, we can have a buffer against dementia. We're not saying we can prevent it, but we can delay it."
- : participants were advised to do 300 minutes of moderate intensity exercise or 150 minutes of vigorous intensity exercise per week as well as two days of moderate-vigorous intensity strength training per week, and daily balance training.
- participants were advised to follow a Mediterranean diet by consuming unprocessed plant foods including vegetables, fruits, legumes, grains, nuts/seeds and extra virgin olive oil, moderate amounts of fish and shellfish, and eating low amounts of meat, dairy, eggs and animal fats.
- this training targeted seven cognitive domains (verbal executive, verbal memory, visual executive, visual memory, visual attention, speed and working memory) and allocated three 45-minute sessions each week across the first 10 weeks and then monthly sessions.
- participants received training via ThisWayUp, a digital mental health program based on the principles of cognitive behavioural therapy aimed at reducing or preventing depression and anxiety.
"Something of this nature, where we can focus on lifestyle, and see if we can extend it to the wider population, has huge promise."
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