Brain Health and Prevention: Clinical Research Highlights from 2024
In 2024, the brain health space saw incredible momentum, with cutting-edge research and discoveries shaping the future of cognitive health, Alzheimer’s prevention, and dementia care. Breakthroughs in cognitive health research have paved the way not only for new drugs, but also (and importantly) for innovative prevention strategies and more effective diagnosis methods. It’s been an inspiring time as science continues to unlock more doors into the mysteries of brain aging.
Keep reading to explore four groundbreaking studies that made headlines this past year. Plus, find practical takeaways from each study to support and motivate you in your own brain health journey.
1. Detecting Alzheimer’s from a blood sample: Alzheimer’s detection through blood biomarker test shows 90% accuracy for cognitive decline.1
The Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) is one of the largest and most prestigious events dedicated to the latest research on dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. This year, a cutting-edge study took center stage, focusing on identifying Alzheimer’s disease through blood biomarkers. The study introduced a novel blood test, which measures the ratio of two types of amyloid beta and the proportion of tau (made up of a specific form of tau called p-tau217). Elevated levels of amyloid beta in blood are often associated with amyloid plaque buildup in the brain, which is a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. Similarly, elevated tau can form tangles inside brain cells, leading to further disruption in brain function. The test was found to be 88-90% accurate in detecting Alzheimer's, providing a potential breakthrough in diagnosing the disease earlier and more reliably.
Why is this important?
Most current Alzheimer's diagnostic tests require expensive procedures, such as PET scans for brain imaging or samples of cerebrospinal fluid, which is an invasive procedure that also cannot be performed in a primary care physician's office. This is problematic, as many individuals who first notice signs of brain aging typically visit their primary care physician for initial evaluations. The new blood test is changing this by paving the way for Alzheimer’s detection that could potentially be used in a primary care setting, making it more accessible and affordable. Early diagnosis is crucial, as it allows for proper strategies and treatments to be implemented to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s, ultimately providing patients with the best possible chance for better management of their condition. Potentially more important is the future use of blood tests like these to assess a person’s risk of Alzheimer’s: Think of how the blood test A1C is used for diabetes prevention, and now imagine how empowered people would be with an “A1C”-like blood test that helps people prevent Alzheimer’s. We experienced big steps forward for this in 2024. If you really want to dig deep, read this research article by NeuroReserve medical advisor Jeffrey Cummings MD, ScD on the many ways future blood tests can be used for Alzheimer’s and dementia prevention (click here).
2. Proper blood sugar regulation is a key contributor of the neuroprotective power of the Mediterranean diet.2
It's well established that the health of our body is deeply interconnected with the health of our brain. A study from the DIRECT PLUS MRI trial—one of the largest and longest MRI studies to date—highlights factors that help slow brain atrophy, which is the age-related loss of neurons and brain tissue (brain shrinkage) that happens as people age or accelerates, which can cause dementia.
Participants who adopted a Mediterranean diet or a green-Mediterranean diet (emphasizing certain polyphenol-rich foods like green tea) experienced slower brain aging and preserved brain volume. How much? A 50% reduction in the rate of brain shrinkage. However, the DIRECT PLUS MRI team wasn’t finished with that. They then set-out in this study to determine what the critical contributors to this result could be. They found that these benefits were closely linked to improved blood sugar control, including improvements in insulin resistance and fasting glucose levels. By managing blood sugar levels, these diets proved to not only support overall health but also help maintain a "younger" brain age, offering a promising approach to long-term brain health and resilience against cognitive decline.
Why is this important?
This research is a vital reminder of how our overall health profoundly impacts our brain health. It highlights that simple, low-cost additions to our routine—like Mediterranean nutrition and incorporating polyphenol-rich foods—can deliver significant benefits.
The findings also emphasize the importance of managing conditions like type 2 diabetes, obesity, and hypertension, which are directly linked to brain health outcomes. By taking proactive steps to improve overall health, we can protect our brain against age-related decline, making this research a practical and hopeful guide for lifelong cognitive well-being.
These two groundbreaking studies show remarkable strides in how we identify early signs of brain health decline and how to counter them. They offer deeper insight into how various aspects of our overall health are intricately linked to the well-being of our brain. And with this new understanding, we can take appropriate steps to maintain a youthful brain.
Building on this foundation, the next two research highlights from 2024 we'll discuss focus on prevention—particularly through intensive diet, nutrition, and lifestyle changes. These areas are at the heart of NeuroReserve's approach, emphasizing how daily, consistent changes can lead to significant improvements in brain function and longevity.
Proven habits can make all the difference when it comes to keeping your brain healthy, and there’s so much to learn from the Blue Zones—regions where people routinely live healthy, vibrant lives well into their 100s. Through the end of December, explore our Blue Zones Eating Pack, a curated collection of tools designed to help you embrace their brain-healthy habits. Start your path to better brain health this new year and see how small, sustainable changes can lead to lasting benefits. You'll receive The Blue Zones American Kitchen cookbook by Dan Buettner, the Blue Zones pioneer, you’ll get 100 recipes to help you live to 100, with beautiful photography, plus, a limited signed bookplate. The pack also includes an organic, low-caffeine green tea sourced from Japan—a simple, daily addition that can make a big impact on your health. Plus, you’ll get 2 bottles of RELEVATE, our brain health supplement inspired by the Mediterranean diet (a cornerstone of Blue Zones eating) to help fill in any nutritional gaps where your diet may fall short. Learn more and order it here, before it’s gone.
3. Intense changes make a difference: Lifestyle interventions, including proper diet, exercise, stress reduction, and community support, help mitigate early Alzheimer's symptoms.3
You might remember our review of the updated Lancet Commissions report for 2024, which highlighted 14 modifiable risk factors that together could reduce Alzheimer’s disease risk by nearly 50%. All those risk factors may seem overwhelming, but if we break them down into ones we really want to improve, then we’ll have the beginning of a powerful and health-changing journey. The evidence? This new study reveals that tackling multiple risk factors at once is effective in reducing signs of Alzheimer’s disease progression.
Participants in this study, all diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or early-stage dementia, followed a lifestyle intervention that included:
- Eating a minimally processed diet rich in whole foods,
- Engaging in moderate exercise, like walking and strength training,
- Managing stress with meditation and breathing exercises, and
- Joining support groups that align with your values or goals
After 20 weeks, the group that followed the intervention routine showed a significant improvement in a key Alzheimer’s biomarker (the plasma Aβ42/40 ratio (see the first research highlight of this article)). These improvements also translated to better cognitive and functional outcomes for the lifestyle intervention group.
Why is this important?
These findings are a powerful reminder that improving your brain health involves evaluating your overall lifestyle and daily habits. Your brain health is not “set in stone,” and if you are serious about it and want to make big changes, then it can make a difference. Remember, achieving the best results requires effort in multiple areas. And the good news is that even if you’re experiencing signs of cognitive decline or even Alzheimer’s, your daily actions can STILL make a real difference. You have the ability to slow progression and support your brain health for the future.
4. Showing impact controlled through twins: The Mediterranean and MIND diets boosted memory and cognitive abilities in twin females during midlife.4
At NeuroReserve, we emphasize that it’s never too early or too late to begin your brain health journey. Women in midlife, in particular, experience significant cognitive changes during the perimenopause-to-menopause transition, making them more vulnerable to the risks of cognitive decline. A recent study followed sets of identical and fraternal female twins in middle age and found that the sisters who adhered better to a Mediterranean or MIND diet experienced greater preservation of memory over a 10-year time span.
Also, an interesting finding: This benefit could be attributed to the diet’s impact on gut health, specifically through the production of short-chain fatty acids from consuming fiber-rich foods like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. These nutrients supported growth of beneficial gut bacteria, such as Ruminococcaceae UCG-010, while reducing less beneficial types like Dorea. With the gut-brain axis playing a key role in cognitive health, it’s a clear reminder that what we eat matters—not just for our bodies, but for our minds as well.
Why is this important?
This type of research is crucial because it helps us truly understand the impact of Mediterreanean/MIND diets on brain health. Every person is different, and by examining twins in this study, it minimized the impact of other variables, such as social and economic factors, that could confound the results of a dietary study. Particularly important is that Mediterranean diet made a difference in identical twins, showing that a person’s genetic makeup is not their destiny. Also, this study underscores the importance of women in midlife taking a proactive approach to maintaining brain health. Learn more about women's midlife brain health and prevention strategies in our article here. This stage of life presents a key opportunity to take effective action. Studies like this one are motivating, showing that starting a brain health routine at midlife is not only impactful but also achievable.
Understanding how dietary patterns like the Mediterranean and MIND diets influence health across multiple systems—such as the gut, which directly communicates with the brain—emphasizes the interconnected nature of our bodies, offering another layer of motivation to adopt brain-healthy habits
Wrapping it up for 2024
Here we highlighted blood tests not only for diagnostics but also as predictive tools, intensive multi-factored interventions, and twin studies to show the real effect of dietary differences, and these are just a few advancements in Alzheimer’s prevention research this past year. Underlying much of this is nutrition, playing a vital role maintaining memory, thinking, and overall cognitive vitality. Along with lifestyle practices like regular exercise and stress management, adopting a Mediterranean diet is a proven way to boost brain health. To help you get started, we encourage you to explore our in-depth article on the Mediterranean diet, outlining the foundational principles of this brain-boosting approach to eating. For inspiration, check out our Brain Table, featuring expertly curated recipes to make your journey both delicious and rewarding.
If you want to take a proactive step toward your brain health, consider RELEVATE, our brain health supplement designed to bridge the nutritional gap. RELEVATE aligns with the Mediterranean and MIND diets by delivering 17 well-researched nutrients, including polyphenols, omega-3s, flavonoids, and more, in diet-achievable doses. These nutrients support long-term brain health by enhancing memory, sharpening thinking, and improving overall brain function. Take the first step toward a healthier brain and learn more about RELEVATE here.
We thank you for joining us on this journey in 2024, learning and growing together in support of brain health. Each year, this community expands, and new opportunities for brain health come to light, making us even more excited for what 2025 holds for us all!
References
1. Ashton, N. J. et al. Diagnostic Accuracy of a Plasma Phosphorylated Tau 217 Immunoassay for Alzheimer Disease Pathology. JAMA Neurol 81, 255–263 (2024).
2. Pachter, D. et al. Glycemic control contributes to the neuroprotective effects of Mediterranean and green-Mediterranean diets on brain age: the DIRECT PLUS brain-magnetic resonance imaging randomized controlled trial. Am J Clin Nutr 120, 1029–1036 (2024).
3. Ornish, D. et al. Effects of intensive lifestyle changes on the progression of mild cognitive impairment or early dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease: a randomized, controlled clinical trial. Alzheimer’s Research and Therapy 16, 1–17 (2024).
4. McEvoy, C. T. et al. Diet patterns and cognitive performance in a UK Female Twin Registry (TwinsUK). Alzheimers Res Ther 16, 1–10 (2024).
