Major Study Links Habits to Better Brain Health

A landmark clinical trial has found that adopting moderate lifestyle changes—such as exercising regularly, eating a brain-friendly diet, and staying socially active—can help slow cognitive decline in older adults at risk of dementia. The two-year study, known as the US POINTER trial, involved more than 2,000 participants across five U.S. cities and was presented at the 2025 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Toronto.

Study Targets At-Risk but Cognitively Healthy Adults

Participants aged 60 to 79, who were sedentary and at higher risk for dementia due to conditions like prediabetes and high blood pressure, were enrolled in the $50 million randomized study. One group received structured, in-person coaching and team support on exercise, diet, brain training, and social engagement. The other group was self-guided, receiving educational resources but no direct coaching.

Results Show Up to Two-Year Cognitive Boost

According to lead researcher Dr. Laura Baker from Wake Forest University, the structured group delayed cognitive aging by one to nearly two years compared to the self-guided group. Both groups showed overall improvement, but those with regular support and accountability saw more significant cognitive gains. “We were holding their hands at first—but by the end, they were flying on their own,” said Dr. Baker.

Exercise, Diet, and Social Ties Drive Change

Participants followed an aerobic exercise plan, gradually building up to 30 minutes a day, and adopted the MIND diet—a hybrid of the Mediterranean and DASH diets, known to support brain health. Socializing was also emphasized, with group activities designed to reduce isolation. Brain training apps and regular check-ups helped track progress. “Once I started moving and eating right, everything changed,” said Phyllis Jones, a participant from Illinois.

Findings Highlight Importance of Early Intervention

While the POINTER study focused on prevention, experts say it complements research on more intensive interventions for early-stage Alzheimer’s. Dr. Dean Ornish, who led a 2024 trial on reversing cognitive decline, praised POINTER’s impact: “It shows that even moderate changes can help prevent dementia, while intensive programs may be needed for those already diagnosed.”

More Data and Long-Term Monitoring Ahead

Researchers acknowledge the study’s limits, including short duration and the possibility of test familiarity skewing results. However, with over 80% of participants enrolled in a new four-year follow-up, additional insights are expected. “Brain health is a long game,” said Maria Carillo, chief science officer at the Alzheimer’s Association. “We’re investing another $40 million to understand which lifestyle factors matter most—and how they can protect the brain over time.”

Implications for Aging Populations

As Canada’s senior population continues to grow, the POINTER study offers promising evidence that practical, achievable lifestyle adjustments may help preserve cognitive function. Health professionals and policymakers may look to these findings to shape future brain health strategies aimed at prevention—long before symptoms emerge.

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Survival Rates Improve with Movement

A groundbreaking international study published Sunday in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that regular, structured exercise can significantly improve survival rates for patients with colon cancer. Over a 15-year trial, patients who engaged in moderate exercise three times a week had a 90% survival rate seven years after diagnosis—compared to 83% for those given only standard health advice.

Global Trial Spans Three Countries

The clinical trial enrolled 889 colon cancer patients from 55 hospitals across Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Participants had high-risk stage 2 or stage 3 colon cancer and had already undergone surgery and chemotherapy. Researchers divided them into two groups: one received an exercise pamphlet; the other was guided through a structured, three-year physical activity program.

A Flexible but Committed Exercise Routine

Patients in the structured group were free to choose their activity—be it walking, biking, swimming, or gym workouts—but were required to maintain an elevated heart rate for 30 to 45 minutes, three times a week. Monthly check-ins with trainers or physiotherapists ensured adherence. For Edmonton resident James Smith, a colon cancer survivor, the program included brisk treadmill walks that became a source of empowerment during his recovery.

More Than Just a Fitness Benefit

While participants did not show major changes in weight or cardiovascular health, those in the exercise group had lower recurrence rates: 80% remained cancer-free five years after diagnosis versus 74% in the pamphlet-only group. Researchers emphasize that exercise isn’t a replacement for chemotherapy, but it significantly boosts its effectiveness.

Comparable to Chemotherapy, Experts Say

Dr. Chris Booth, oncologist and study co-author from Queen’s University, noted that the benefits of structured exercise rival some chemotherapy drugs in terms of impact. Meanwhile, Toronto-based colorectal surgeon Dr. Sami Chadi, who was not involved in the study, now considers exercise a post-treatment must. “We should be recommending it as strongly as chemotherapy,” he said.

Still Searching for the ‘Why’

The exact biological mechanism behind exercise’s impact on cancer remains unclear. Researchers collected blood samples throughout the trial and plan to study biomarkers to understand how physical activity reduces cancer recurrence. Despite the mystery, the results are already shifting clinical perspectives.

A Personal Victory in the Data

For Smith, who lost 26 kilograms during treatment, the exercise program not only aided physical recovery but helped reclaim a sense of control. Now cancer-free and back to playing hockey, he credits the program with improving both his health and peace of mind. “It gives me extra reassurance that what I’m doing is helping keep the cancer away.”

Policy Implications on the Horizon

Lead researcher Kerry Courneya of the University of Alberta hopes the data prompts healthcare systems to invest in structured post-treatment fitness programs. With colon cancer among the most common cancers worldwide, the study may lead to policy changes that integrate exercise as a formal part of cancer care.

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