A groundbreaking Australian study has demonstrated that an online lifestyle intervention program can help improve cognitive function in older adults at risk of dementia. The Maintain Your Brain trial, the largest internet-based study of its kind, followed over 6,000 participants aged 55-77 in New South Wales for three years.
The research, published in Nature Medicine, divided participants into two groups - one receiving personalized online coaching focused on physical activity, nutrition, brain training, and mental health, while the control group accessed standard public health information.
"We know that 45 percent of dementia risk comes from lifestyle factors we can modify," explains Professor Henry Brodaty, lead researcher from the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing at UNSW. These modifiable factors include physical inactivity, poor diet, lack of cognitive engagement, and mental health issues.
The intervention group participated in tailored programs including:
- 300 minutes of moderate or 150 minutes of vigorous weekly exercise
- Mediterranean diet focusing on plant-based foods
- Regular brain training sessions targeting multiple cognitive domains
- Mental health support through digital cognitive behavioral therapy
After three years, both groups showed improved cognition, with the coaching group demonstrating greater gains. While the cognitive improvements were modest for individuals, researchers estimate the effect could delay dementia onset by one year at a population level.
"By building cognitive reserve, we can create a buffer against dementia. While we cannot prevent it entirely, we can potentially delay its onset," Professor Brodaty notes.
The study found that engagement levels directly correlated with results - participants who completed more activities showed greater improvement. The online format allowed participation across metropolitan, rural and remote areas, highlighting its potential for broad accessibility.
Professor Ralph Martins from Edith Cowan University praised the study's scale and population-based approach but noted some limitations, including reduced participation rates among certain groups.
Looking ahead, researchers aim to expand the program to reach more diverse populations and incorporate additional risk factors. Professor Brodaty emphasizes that even a one-year delay in dementia onset could reduce cases by 10 percent nationally - potentially preventing 42,000 cases in Australia.
The findings suggest that lifestyle modifications could become as fundamental to brain health as sun protection is to skin health, offering a whole-body approach to healthy aging.