A structured lifestyle programme lowered levels of a biological marker linked to brain cell damage and dementia in older adults with early memory concerns.
The study explored non-drug approaches in people with subjective cognitive decline – a condition where individuals feel their memory or thinking is worsening, despite normal clinical test results. This stage often precedes dementia.
Led by researchers at UCL as part of the EU-funded Medit-Ageing project, the trial involved 140 participants from memory clinics in the UK, France, Germany and Spain. They were randomly assigned to one of two eight-week programmes.
Dr Natalie Marchant, associate professor at UCL Division of Psychiatry, said: “Our findings offer early evidence that lifestyle interventions may influence neurodegenerative processes, as reflected by reductions in plasma neurofilament light levels.
“While preliminary, these results open the door for future research to explore how behavioural approaches can be optimised to support brain health in those at risk of dementia.”
The first group took part in the Caring Mindfulness-Based Approach for Seniors (CMBAS), which involved weekly group sessions focused on mindfulness and compassion meditation, a half-day workshop, and daily home practice.
The second group followed the Health Self-Management Programme (HSMP), which addressed sleep, stress, physical activity, nutrition, medication, and future planning. It matched CMBAS for intensity and included weekly home-based activities.
Researchers measured blood levels of neurofilament light chain (NfL) – a protein released when nerve cells are damaged – before, immediately after, and six months after the interventions. Higher NfL levels indicate greater neurodegeneration.
While both groups reported improvements in mental wellbeing and cognitive function, only HSMP participants showed a significant reduction in NfL six months later.
The findings suggest that structured changes in health behaviours may influence biological processes related to dementia.
Lehané Masebo, PhD student at UCL Division of Psychiatry, said: “Our findings suggest that tailored, non-pharmacological lifestyle interventions may have measurable impact on neurodegenerative biomarkers in older adults with subjective cognitive decline – highlighting a potential avenue for early preventive strategies.
“By demonstrating changes in plasma neurofilament light (NfL), a marker of neuronal damage, this study adds to the growing evidence that behavioural health programmes can influence biological processes linked to dementia, long before clinical symptoms appear.”