Exciting new research shows that a structured plan for healthy living can make a real difference in keeping your mind sharp. For older adults concerned about memory and thinking skills, this is great news.
What Did the Study Find?
A large two-year study found that older adults who followed a structured, guided program for healthy living showed greater improvement in their overall brain function than those who tried to make changes on their own.
In simple terms, having a clear plan and support team helped people see better results for their brain health.
What Was in the “Structured Plan”?
The successful program wasn’t about one magic pill. It combined several key healthy habits:
- Regular Exercise: Aerobic, resistance, and stretching and balance exercises.
- Brain-Healthy Diet: Following a diet like the MIND diet, which is rich in vegetables, berries, and whole grains. This is what we teach at Jacksonville Concierge Medicine, but we refer to it as a whole-food, plant-based diet.
- Staying Social and Mentally Active: Challenging the brain with new activities and staying connected with others.
- Monitoring Heart Health: Keeping an eye on blood pressure and other factors that affect blood flow to the brain.
The key difference was support. The structured group met regularly with health coaches, had clear activity plans to follow, and were held accountable. The self-guided group received basic advice but had to manage everything themselves.
What Does This Mean for You?
The big takeaway is that your daily choices matter for your brain. You don’t have to figure it out alone—having a plan and some support can make all the difference.
Even modest changes can add up to significant benefits. The study showed that everyone improved, but those with a clear roadmap and a guide saw the biggest gains.
This is the Heart of Lifestyle Medicine—And It’s What We Do
This study perfectly illustrates the power of Lifestyle Medicine, the core of our practice here at Jacksonville Concierge Medicine. Lifestyle Medicine focuses on using evidence-based, whole-person approaches to prevent and treat disease.
The six pillars we focus on are exactly the items proven effective in this study:
- Whole-Food, Plant-Based Nutrition: Eating a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes.
- Regular Physical Activity: Finding enjoyable ways to move your body consistently.
- Restorative Sleep: Prioritizing quality sleep to heal and recharge the brain.
- Stress Management: Developing tools to manage life’s stresses effectively.
- Positive Social Connections: Building and maintaining strong, healthy relationships.
- Avoiding Risky Substances: Making choices that support long-term health.
Your First Step
You don’t have to wait for a formal program to start. Think about one small change you can make today:
- Go for a 20-minute walk.
- Add an extra vegetable to your dinner.
- Call a friend for a chat.
- Try a new puzzle or game.
Always talk to your doctor before starting any new diet or exercise routine. But know that by investing in a healthy lifestyle, you are also investing in the long-term health of your brain.
Dr. Kyle Mikals
