Cognitive decline in normal aging and its prevention: a review on non-pharmacological lifestyle strategies.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to determine whether walking, among other non-pharmacological lifestyle activities, could delay cognitive decline in normal aging.
Results Summary
The study found that walking, along with other physical activities, appears promising as a lifestyle intervention tool for preventing cognitive decline, though effectiveness may depend on intensity and simultaneous engagement in multiple activities. More longitudinal randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm optimal types and durations of such interventions.
Population
Aging population groups with normal cognitive function.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
physical activities, such as walking and aerobic exercises | decrease | delay of cognitive decline | normal aging | - | seem to be very promising | #1 |
music therapy | decrease | delay of cognitive decline | normal aging | - | seem to be very promising | #2 |
adherence to Mediterranean diet | decrease | delay of cognitive decline | normal aging | - | seem to be very promising | #3 |
solving crosswords | decrease | delay of cognitive decline | normal aging | - | seem to be very promising | #4 |
non-pharmacological lifestyle intervention activities | decrease | prevention of cognitive decline | - | - | should be intense and possibly done simultaneously in order to be effective | #5 |
The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of the selected non-pharmacological lifestyle activities on the delay of cognitive decline in normal aging. This was done by conducting a literature review in the four acknowledged databases Web of Science, Scopus, MEDLINE, and Springer, and consequently by evaluating the findings of the relevant studies. The findings show that physical activities, such as walking and aerobic exercises, music therapy, adherence to Mediterranean diet, or solving crosswords, seem to be very promising lifestyle intervention tools. The results indicate that non-pharmacological lifestyle intervention activities should be intense and possibly done simultaneously in order to be effective in the prevention of cognitive decline. In addition, more longitudinal randomized controlled trials are needed in order to discover the most effective types and the duration of these intervention activities in the prevention of cognitive decline, typical of aging population groups.