By now you may have seen the headlines that Dean Ornish, M.D. and his team published the study 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. This is not his first study of the sort. Dr. Ornish’s 1998 peer-reviewed randomized trials regarding heart disease scientifically proved that lifestyle interventions can prevent and often reverse the progression of heart disease. His continued groundbreaking research is impressive, we thank him, and we do not mean to be dismissive of this massive amount of work in any way but, to those of us who have been treating patients with these interventions for years, yes, we know… it works. Many thanks to Dr. Ornish. The challenge is that, within the confines of real life, you must implement these lifestyle interventions, and to succeed you need guidance along with family and social support.
Below is a summary of the lifestyle interventions Dr. Ornish and his team implemented in the research study. Noted below each intervention are the treatment approaches Dr. Sutter offers in his office, local lifestyle medicine interventions for care close to home.
Lifestyle Intervention: Diet
- Fat 14-18% calories; protein 16-18%; 63-68% complex carbs
- Unrestricted calories
- Whole foods minimally processed plant-based (vegan)
- High in complex carbohydrates such as vegetables, whole grains, legumes, soy, seeds, nuts and fruits
- 21 meals per week plus snacks were sent already prepared for the patient and one support partner
- They were asked to consume no other foods
We coach you weekly on what foods to eat, preparation methods and shopping tips. We have extensive experience and success with our approach. If you desire pre-made meals, we can coach you on resources for this option.
Lifestyle Intervention: Exercise
- Aerobic activity at least 30 minutes per day
- Mild strength training at least 3 times per week
- In person or virtually
- Personalized exercise prescription
As a physiatrist, Dr. Sutter is an expert in personalized exercise prescription to include workarounds for any physical limitations. With our exercise room and certified exercise specialists, you can participate in personalized coaching sessions as well as instruction to complete exercises at home or in a gym. Follow-up sessions can be in-person or virtual. We can also recommend online resources for you.
Lifestyle Intervention: Stress Management
- Meditation, gentle yoga-based poses, stretching, progressive relaxation, breathing exercises, imagery
- One hour per day
- On-line meditations
- Flash-lighting glasses for stress management, soothing music
- Encourage them to get adequate sleep
We have several modalities to choose from including personalized coaching, the Heart-Math program, and the SOS program. We can also help you sort through online and app-based solutions. We have been coaching sleep hygiene for many years and offer concrete solutions.
Lifestyle Intervention: Group Support
- Support group one-hour sessions, three days per week to stay on track with interventions
- Licensed mental health professional
- Book of memory exercises
We offer coaching (but not licensed mental health sessions) in person or virtually to stay on track. We can also recommend a licensed therapist.
Lifestyle Interventions: Time Commitment Summary
Each patient and their partner participated in a four hour Zoom session, three times a week; 1 hour of exercise, 1 hour of stress management, 1 hour support group, 1 hour lecture on lifestyle.
We will meet you where you are and help get you where you need to be. We work with you to create a schedule that includes all necessary interventions that also works within the framework of your life.
Supplements
- Omega-3 fatty acids with Curcumin
- Multi-vitamin and minerals without iron
- Coenzyme Q 10
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin B12
- Magnesium L-Threonate
- Hericium erinaceus
- Super bifido plus probiotic
We have been the local leader in medically guided supplement use for over 40 years. We have researched the best quality products, manufacturing processes, dosing and formulas. Not all supplements are created equal, save your time and money by letting us educate you on the proper use of nutraceuticals.
Summary of the Study Results and Conclusion Statements
- In persons with mild cognitive impairment or early dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease, comprehensive lifestyle changes may improve cognition and function in several standard measures after 20 weeks
- There were positive changes in plasma and microbiome markers
- The findings also have implication for helping to prevent AD
- Those that receive a probable AD diagnosis years before it becomes clinically apparent now have a course of action that may help
- It may take less extensive lifestyle changes to help prevent AD than to treat it (which is the foundation of lifestyle medicine)
- Intensive lifestyle changes rather than moderate ones seem to be required to improve cognition and function in those suffering from early-stage Ad (i.e. the longer intervention is postponed the more difficult and intensive care is needed)
We understand that a life-changing diagnosis such as AD or cardiovascular disease can be overwhelming, and we are here to help. We also coach those recovering from cancer and orthopedic challenges. No matter your current age, fitness status, or eating habits, we have the answers and support for you. With over 40 years of experience in functional medicine and lifestyle medicine, we are the clear choice for your medically supervised program.