Enhancing Brain Health in Older Adults with Limited Education Through Training and Nutrition

Recent research highlights promising strategies to support cognitive health among older adults with limited formal education, a demographic often underrepresented in dementia prevention studies. Conducted by researchers from the Indiana University School of Medicine, Eskenazi Health, and the Regenstrief Institute, the study demonstrates that tailored interventions, including brain training exercises and healthy dietary choices, are feasible and beneficial for this vulnerable group.

The study, known as the MINDSpeed trial, involved 180 participants aged 60 and above from Marion County, Indiana. Participants were randomly assigned to one of four groups: those receiving polyphenol-rich snacks along with online cognitive training, those getting the snacks plus control games, control snacks with cognitive training, or control snacks with control games. Over three months, participants received home-delivered snacks and engaged with online games via a study-provided tablet, with assessments conducted at three and six months.

Results showed modest cognitive improvements across all groups, with effect sizes between 0.15 and 0.35. Importantly, no single intervention was superior, but the findings reveal that older adults with fewer years of education can actively participate in and benefit from such preventive strategies. Researchers emphasize that further studies with longer and more intensive interventions could yield stronger results.

This research underscores the importance of designing dementia prevention efforts that include underserved populations. As Dr. Daniel O. Clark pointed out, adults with fewer years of education face higher risks of dementia yet are often excluded from research. This study demonstrates their capacity to engage and potentially improve cognitive function through tailored lifestyle interventions.

Commenting on the findings, co-author Dr. Briana Sprague highlighted the feasibility of delivering cognitive exercises and brain-healthy snacks within community settings, even among those who are typically underserved. The team advocates for expanding such approaches to help address disparities and promote brain health in diverse populations.

The study, published in the peer-reviewed journal Alzheimer's & Dementia, provides a pathway toward inclusive dementia prevention. It encourages continued efforts to adapt interventions that reach all segments of the aging population, aiming to reduce the impact of dementia through accessible and culturally sensitive strategies.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-brain-healthy-snacks-benefit-older.html