The New York Times (7/28, Belluck) reports, “A combination of healthy activities including exercise, nutritious diet, computer brain games and socializing can improve cognitive performance in people at risk for dementia, according to a large new study.” In the study, “half of the participants followed a structured program” in which “they were prescribed a healthy diet, socially engaging activities and a weekly regimen of eight exercise sessions and three sessions of computerized cognitive training.” The other study “participants followed a self-guided program” in which “they were given educational materials and resources, and were regularly encouraged to engage in healthy behaviors.” Cognitive scores for the two “groups improved considerably, with the high-intensity group improving somewhat more than the other group.” The findings were published in JAMA.  NBC News (7/28, Edwards) reports one researcher said, “Our conservative estimate shows that, relative to the self-guided group, the structured group performed at a level comparable to adults who were one to two years younger in age.” Greater accountability and support “in the structured group were key benefits.” Also reporting is CNN (7/28, LaMotte). (SOURCE: APA Headlines)