Preventing cognitive decline: the winning trio?

By Ana Espino | Published on september 11, 2025 | 3 min read

#CognitiveDecline #MCI #PhysicalActivity #Nutrition #CognitiveStimulation   


Age-related cognitive decline is an increasing public health concern, worsened by global demographic aging. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) often precedes dementia and is characterized by progressive loss of memory, attention, and executive functions. To date, pharmacological treatments are limited, show little efficacy in primary prevention, and are often poorly tolerated in older adults. This situation strengthens interest in non-pharmacological approaches, particularly cognitive stimulation, physical activity, and nutritional interventions, whose isolated benefits have been partially demonstrated.  

Within this context, the ENHANCE study was initiated to assess the feasibility, adherence, and early effects of a program combining moderate physical activity, anti-inflammatory diet, and cognitive stimulation in healthy adults at risk of cognitive decline.    

Move, eat well, stimulate your brain: does it really work?  

Sixty participants aged 60 to 90 years were randomly assigned to two groups:  

• ENHANCE group (12-week multidimensional intervention)
• Control group (general health follow-up)

 
The intervention combined a weekly program of physical exercises with nutritional workshops based on the principles of an anti-inflammatory diet. It also included cognitive stimulation through structured online exercises. Evaluation criteria focused on executive functions, working memory, processing speed, quality of life, self-reported physical activity, and inflammatory markers.  

The results show a significant improvement in executive functions in the ENHANCE group. A positive trend was also observed for processing speed and working memory, although these effects did not reach statistical significance. In contrast, no notable changes were found in biological markers or self-reported physical activity levels. Adherence to the program was particularly high (96%), underlining the feasibility and acceptability of such an intervention in a community setting.    

Cognitive prevention: toward an integrated approach?  

Age-related cognitive decline represents a major public health challenge, with growing impact on older adults’ autonomy and healthcare systems. Available pharmacological treatments remain largely ineffective for prevention, especially in individualswithout major cognitive impairment. Faced with these limitations, non-pharmacological approaches are gaining increasing attention, particularly those combining physical activity, tailored nutrition, and cognitive stimulation. These lifestyle levers may help preserve brain function with aging.  

The ENHANCE study is part of this movement, assessing the feasibility, adherence, and cognitive effects of such a multidomain intervention.

The results suggest that this type of program is feasible, well accepted, and potentially beneficial for certain cognitive aspects, especially executive functions. Although modest at this stage, these effects justify larger-scale studies.  

Nonetheless, some limitations highlight the need for further research. Future studies should include large multicenter trials, with more robust cognitive, biological, and behavioral endpoints, as well as long-term follow-up. The multidimensional approach embodied by ENHANCE could therefore serve as a structuring model for the prevention of brain aging in the general population.   

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As a scientific writer, Ana is passionate about bridging the gap between research and real-world impact. With expertise in immunology, virology, oncology, and clinical studies, she makes complex science clear and accessible. Her mission: to accelerate knowledge sharing and empower evidence-based decisions through impactful communication.