How the brain stays fit into old age

Study examines ways to protect cognitive ability in old age

Each of us would like to stay mentally fit until old age. However, many people show a significant decline in their cognitive abilities as they grow older and many develop dementia. It is not clear how mental health can be maintained into old age, but according to the current state of research, lifestyle factors have a significant influence. The extent to which loss of cognitive abilities can be counteracted by targeted lifestyle intervention is to be investigated in a recent study for which GPs are currently being sought.

Under the name "AgeWell.de" the study is carried out in four survey centers (Leipzig, Greifswald, Munich, Kiel). In total, 1,152 general practitioner patients aged 60 to 77 who are at increased risk of dementia should be recruited for the examination. They then test the effects of a targeted multicomponent intervention program designed to maintain mental health into old age. The overall management of the study was conducted by Prof. dr. med. Steffi G. Riedel-Heller of the MPH Institute for Social Medicine, Occupational Medicine and Public Health at the Medical Faculty of the University of Leipzig. At present, participating GPs are sought in individual survey regions.

A recent study examines the measures that can be taken to maintain mental health into old age. (Image: ArtFamily / fotolia.de)

Lifestyle with proven influence

Today, around 1.5 million people in Germany are already suffering from dementia and, due to demographic change, the future is expected to show a marked increase in the number of diseases. Most dementia forms are not curable so far. However, observational studies have shown that "the risk of dementia is associated with a number of vascular and lifestyle-related risk factors," reports the University of Greifswald in a communication on the current research project. However, these studies have so far only investigated the efficacy of interventions on individual lifestyle factors, which does not do justice to the multifactorial nature of dementia.

Special intervention program provided

The AgeWell.de study is now investigating the effect of concurrent intervention on multiple risk factors and disease mechanisms. According to the University of Greifswald, the multicomponent intervention program of the AgeWell.de study includes:

• nutrition counseling,
• Increase in physical activity,
• cognitive training,
• Management of vascular risk factors,
• Increase in social activity,
• Examination of the medication as well
• Interventions in loss experiences and depressive symptoms.

The goal is to maintain or even improve mental performance in old age. The study is particularly addressed to primary care physicians, because they often face the challenges of dealing with the difficult situation of people with dementia in their everyday practice, according to the University of Greifswald. The comprehensive approach of the AgeWell.de project is supported by numerous family doctors and many are already active cooperation partners. However, other family physicians are currently being sought who can bring suitable patients into the study.

Family doctors wanted to participate

Interested family doctors can inform themselves personally at the DZNE about the exact course of the study. Dr. Ina Zwingmann from the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) is mentioned here as the contact person for the study. "We are also interested in general practitioners for questions and support available," the researchers said. For the participating family physicians, the most important task is the recruitment of patients. The corresponding information material will of course be provided. In addition, a large part of the work steps can also be taken over by the respective practice team, which is specially trained by the researchers. "In our experience, primary care patients are very happy to participate in such projects," emphasize the scientists.

Improve dementia prevention the goal

Of the intervention measures, the researchers expect, among other positive effects on the maintenance or improvement of cognitive performance, everyday activity and quality of life. The results of the study should "provide a starting point for better dementia prevention and reduction of one's own risk of dementia," the researchers added. The research project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. (Fp)