A new study in the United States shows that improving lifestyle habits, such as increasing exercise, healthy eating, and actively participating in social activities, can help delay or even prevent cognitive decline. Experts say that this efficient and low-cost method is expected to improve the care of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, and significantly reduce the burden on patients' families and public health systems. Researchers from Florida Atlantic University recently published an article in the American Medical Journal, reporting the results of the first large-scale randomized trial conducted in the United States to test whether lifestyle changes can improve cognitive abilities in elderly people at high risk of neurodegenerative diseases. In this trial, participants randomly assigned to the lifestyle intervention group showed statistically and clinically significant cognitive improvements within two years, particularly in memory, attention, planning, and decision execution functions. Lifestyle interventions mainly include regular physical activity, combining the Mediterranean diet and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, cognitive stimulation and social participation with professional team guidance and support. Researchers say that lifestyle changes that have been previously proven to reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer can also help improve cognitive decline. The research team also explored the potential biological mechanisms underlying these benefits. For example, physical activity can increase brain-derived neurotrophic factors, support hippocampal growth, improve blood flow, and reduce inflammation; A healthy diet can reduce oxidative stress, improve insulin sensitivity, and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease; Regular social and cognitive activities can promote neural plasticity and psychological resilience. Based on these findings, the research team calls for collaboration among healthcare professionals and decision-makers to promote lifestyle intervention strategies to reduce the enormous medical burden caused by neurodegenerative diseases in the United States and globally. (New Society)