Multidomain approaches and specific supplements show promise for Alzheimer's disease prevention and management in at-risk elderly populations.
This mini-review evaluates dietary and lifestyle interventions for the prevention and management of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in at-risk elderly populations. The synthesis includes data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies covering multidomain approaches such as the MIND diet and FINGER model, alongside specific nutritional supplements like omega-3 fatty acids, carotenoids, B vitamins, probiotics, nutrition, physical activity, and cognitive training. No specific comparator or standardized protocols were uniformly applied across the included studies.
Regarding primary outcomes, multidomain approaches consistently demonstrate efficacy in slowing cognitive decline and reducing brain atrophy. Secondary outcomes indicate that these interventions also show promise for improving memory and reducing inflammation. However, absolute numbers, effect sizes, and p-values were not reported for specific interventions in this review. Safety and tolerability data, including adverse events and discontinuations, were not reported for the specific interventions analyzed.
Key limitations identified include inconsistent results across studies, short trial durations, and a lack of standardized protocols. The influence of genetic factors, such as APOE4 carrier status, may also impact outcomes but was not fully detailed. The evidence for specific nutritional supplements is mixed, and findings are derived from a synthesis of varying study types. Consequently, the review highlights the need for personalized approaches and the development of clinically actionable, scalable guidelines to address these gaps.