Research shows self-guided lifestyle changes can improve brain health | Aldora News
August 1, 2025
You Don’t Need a Full-Time Program to Protect Your Brain
We’ve known for years that dementia is preventable in at least 45% of people, and that intensive lifestyle programs can help improve, stabilize, or even reverse memory symptoms.
Now, new research from the US POINTER study shows something even more encouraging: even self-guided lifestyle changes can make a measurable difference.
In this large study of over 2,000 participants with an average age of 68, people were assigned to either a structured lifestyle program (which included 36 in-person sessions) or a self-directed one. Both groups received education on brain health, and both were encouraged to make lifestyle changes based on that information.
After two years, both groups showed improvement in their global brain function scores. They didn’t just slow down decline - they actually got better.
Yes, the participants in the structured program improved more - but there was a measurable difference for both. This means that if you don’t have access to a 2 year, in-person brain health program, that’s okay. Doing it on your own could still make a difference.
What makes this especially powerful is how modest the intervention was. In the self-guided group, participants received written materials and light encouragement from study staff. No pre-made meals, no supervised workouts, no supplements. Just knowledge - and motivation.
What Does This Mean for You?
It means that change is possible.
If you understand what steps can improve your brain health - and you feel supported and encouraged to follow through - you can take charge of your cognitive future.
The tools and information we provide at Aldora are the same types of tools used in the study, and in many cases, even more comprehensive. Whether you use Aldora’s library or another trusted resource, remember this: You don’t need perfect conditions to make progress. You just need to start.
Learn. Make a small change today. Keep Going.
Not convinced? Read what CNN is saying about the study.
References
Ornish D, Madison C, Kivipelto M, et al. Effects of intensive lifestyle changes on the progression of mild cognitive impairment or early dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease: a randomized, controlled clinical trial. Alzheimers Res Ther, 2024. (Read here)
Livingston G et al. Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2024 report of the Lancet standing Commission. The Lancet, 2024; 404:572 - 628 (Read here).
Baker LD, Espeland MA, Whitmer RA, et al. Structured vs Self-Guided Multidomain Lifestyle Interventions for Global Cognitive Function: The US POINTER Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA, 2025. (Read here).