Is it too late to make lifestyle changes after being diagnosed with a mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s?

Research is still looking into this, so we’re not entirely sure. Some studies have shown benefits of exercise alone for people who are walking at a fast enough rate for their heart rate, and that their course is better than those who don’t. There’s a well-known international study called the FINGER study. They combined exercise, diet, health promotion and education; over a two-year course, participants also performed better on certain testing. So there’s evidence that points to lifestyle changes having a meaningful impact, even after you have developed symptoms of cognitive impairment. I tell my patients that even if I’m wrong and the physical activity, diet and social activity that I’m prescribing to you doesn’t change your course, in the end, I’m improving your function and quality of life and that is the meaning that we’re looking for as we’re getting older.