HOLISTIC APPROACH TO ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE: EVALUATING THE EFFECTS OF YOGIC INTERVENTIONS AND DIET IN ADULTS AGED 45 AND ABOVE

A 1.5-month yogic intervention program combined with a sattvic diet significantly improved quality of life and daily living activities in 110 adults aged 45 and older with Alzheimer's disease. Quality of life scores rose from 137.41 to 168.17, and activities of daily living scores increased from 3.07 to 5.34. The authors conclude that yoga and dietary modifications may offer complementary benefits for cognitive function and well-being, while noting the need for larger, longer-term studies to confirm these findings.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a gradually worsening neurodegenerative condition that affects memory, thinking abilities, and the capacity to perform everyday tasks. While conventional treatments offer limited benefits, holistic interventions such as yoga and a yogic diet may provide complementary benefits by enhancing neuroplasticity, reducing oxidative stress, and improving overall brain health. Method: This study involved 110 participants aged 45 and above diagnosed with AD. A convenient sampling method was used, and participants were subjected to a 1.5-month yogic intervention program, including yogasana, pranayama, mantra chanting, and meditation, alongside a yogic diet comprising sattvic foods. Pre- and post-intervention data were gathered with the Quality of Life in Alzheimer’s Disease (QoL-AD) Scale. and the Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Scale were used to assess outcomes. Paired t-tests were conducted to analyze the effectiveness of the intervention. Results: the findings revealed significant improvements in both QoL-AD and ADL scores following the intervention. The mean QoL-AD score increased from 137.41 to 168.17 (t = 27.67, p < 0.0001), and the mean ADL score increased from 3.07 to 5.34 (t = 19.76, p < 0.0001). These findings indicate enhanced cognitive function, better emotional well-being, and improved quality of life among participants. Conclusion: Yogic interventions, when combined with a yogic diet, significantly improve cognitive function, quality of life, and daily living activities in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. These results highlight the potential of integrating yoga and dietary modifications as complementary approaches to conventional AD treatments. The study underscores the need for larger, long-term studies to confirm these findings and establish broader clinical applications.