{"title":"Plant-Based Dietary Patterns and Neuroimaging Biomarkers of Brain Health: A Scoping Review of Observational and Interventional Evidence.","authors":"Lydia Viviana Falsitta, Aleksandra Pikula","doi":"10.1177/15598276261434176","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/15598276261434176","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Healthy dietary interventions are well established in cardiovascular disease prevention, but their effects on the brain remain underexplored. This scoping review aims to investigate how adherence to core components of a whole-food plant-based diet (WFPBD) may impact neuroimaging outcomes across different brain conditions. We searched PubMed and MEDLINE for studies published in the past 20 years evaluating the effects of a predominantly or exclusively WFPBD, alone or combined with other lifestyle factors, on neuroimaging biomarkers. Selected studies were grouped into three domains: (1) demyelinating disease, (2) dementia and Alzheimer's disease, (3) cognitive aging and cerebrovascular burden. The dataset comprised heterogeneous study designs and follow-up durations, including randomized-controlled trials (RCTs; n <i>=</i> 9; 14 days - 3 years), longitudinal observational studies (n <i>= 7</i>; 2-20 years), and cross-sectional studies (n <i>=</i> 6). Observational evidence suggests associations between plant-based dietary patterns and favorable neuroimaging outcomes, whereas RCTs have generally not confirmed these effects. Residual confounding and healthy user bias are potential limitations. Dietary patterns aligned with a WFPBD may be important components of broader lifestyle interventions supporting brain health. Confirming observational findings will require adequately powered randomized trials with standardized neuroimaging endpoints and well-designed dietary interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":47480,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"15598276261434176"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13002482/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147500419","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sophia Sherzai, Caleb Cole, Alexis Duke, Neishay Ayub, Dean Sherzai, Charles Casassa
{"title":"Lifestyle Factors Impacting Epilepsy and Seizures: A Narrative Review.","authors":"Sophia Sherzai, Caleb Cole, Alexis Duke, Neishay Ayub, Dean Sherzai, Charles Casassa","doi":"10.1177/15598276261420194","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15598276261420194","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures, affecting millions of people worldwide. While pharmacological treatments remain the cornerstone of epilepsy management, lifestyle factors play a significant role in modulating seizure frequency and quality of life for individuals with epilepsy. This expert review synthesizes key findings from seminal studies to explore the impact of various lifestyle factors, including diet, sleep, physical activity, and stress management, on epilepsy management. We also discuss potential mechanisms underlying these effects and highlight limitations in current research.</p>","PeriodicalId":47480,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"15598276261420194"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12999533/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147500359","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Lifestyle and Complementary Approaches to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome During Perimenopause and Menopause A Scoping Review.","authors":"Candy Wilson, Lenny Chiang-Hanisko, Sahar Kaleem, Moradi Aljadani, Jennifer Mendonca, Shaima Arshad, Nicole Pirrone, Tiffany Follin, Lea Sacca","doi":"10.1177/15598276261436778","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15598276261436778","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) persists across the lifespan, yet management during perimenopause and menopause remains underexplored. This scoping review examined non-pharmacological and non-surgical interventions for adult women with PCOS, with particular attention to lifestyle modifications, complementary approaches, and the influence of chronic pain and mental health on quality of life. Guided by the Arksey and O'Malley five-step framework and Joanna Briggs Institute recommendations, studies published in English from 2000 to 2024 were included. Eligible studies examined adult women with PCOS during perimenopause, menopause, or both, and reported on lifestyle interventions, complementary therapies, chronic pain, or quality-of-life outcomes. Twenty-nine studies met inclusion criteria. Diet and physical activity were the most commonly investigated interventions. More than 15 supplement categories were identified; however, none specifically targeted chronic pain or mental health outcomes. Only two studies addressed chronic pain management, both through dietary supplements. Exercise was the only intervention associated with mental health outcomes. PCOS management during perimenopause and menopause requires a holistic, person-centered approach integrating lifestyle and complementary strategies to address physical, hormonal, chronic pain, and mental health challenges.</p>","PeriodicalId":47480,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"15598276261436778"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12999536/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147500354","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Characterizing the Profile of Individuals Who Undergo Flotation-REST: A Cross-Sectional Survey.","authors":"Taaha Adamji, Eric vanSonnenberg, Kory Johnson","doi":"10.1177/15598276261430291","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15598276261430291","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Flotation, a form of restricted environmental stimulation therapy (REST), entails lying in a warm saltwater tank. Evidence links it to lower stress and improved mood, but user characteristics outside trials remain unclear. We profiled flotation users and compared health and lifestyle measures with a population benchmark. Adults were recruited from an online community forum and a flotation center in the southwestern United States. The survey included the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ-15) and standardized items from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Users were grouped by duration and frequency, and selected outcomes were compared with NHANES. Sixty-one users participated. Over half were long-term and monthly users. Mindfulness scores were moderately above average. Compared with NHANES, users more often reported depression, daily anxiety, and sleep disturbance, and reported more moderate-intensity exercise and muscle soreness. Rates of alcohol abstinence did not differ. In this real-world sample, flotation users were physically active and frequently reported anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbance, while showing moderately above average mindfulness. Because this was a cross-sectional survey without pre-floating baselines, differences from NHANES reflect current status rather than changes due to flotation. We plan prospective pre-/post-studies with larger, more diverse samples.</p>","PeriodicalId":47480,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"15598276261430291"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12999527/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147500421","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Comprehensive Lifestyle Intervention as Primary Therapy for Obesity: A Case Study.","authors":"John Manna, Ashleigh Cutt","doi":"10.1177/15598276261435489","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15598276261435489","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Obesity is the most prevalent chronic condition, although it was not officially recognized as a disease until 2013. Obesity is complex and directly contributes to many other chronic conditions. Recently, new medications have become available, which are valuable tools for the treatment of obesity. With or without medication, lifestyle interventions remain fundamental in the treatment of obesity. As demonstrated by the case presented, even patients with severe obesity (BMI 45.8) can achieve remarkable improvement (BMI 31.7) through intensive lifestyle interventions without medication. Achieving weight loss significantly improves clinical outcomes and helps curb the rise of obesity and its complications. Providers are well positioned to provide intensive lifestyle therapeutic interventions for patients with obesity.</p>","PeriodicalId":47480,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"15598276261435489"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12988863/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147469384","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Smoothie as a Clinical Tool: Integrating High-Fiber Plant Protein for Active Adults.","authors":"Amy Hanus","doi":"10.1177/15598276261432913","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15598276261432913","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":47480,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"15598276261432913"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12987739/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147464009","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Power of Movement: Why Physical Activity Remains a Cornerstone of Lifestyle Medicine.","authors":"Padmaja Patel","doi":"10.1177/15598276261433478","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15598276261433478","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":47480,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"15598276261433478"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12987751/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147463961","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jessica M Kirschmann, Aliye B Cepni, Olivia Broaddus, David W Walsh, Craig A Johnston
{"title":"Incorporating Behavioral Preference to Promote Physical Activity in Lifestyle Medicine.","authors":"Jessica M Kirschmann, Aliye B Cepni, Olivia Broaddus, David W Walsh, Craig A Johnston","doi":"10.1177/15598276261433829","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15598276261433829","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Most lifestyle medicine recommendations emphasize behaviors with strong physiological benefits, such as moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, yet often overlook individual behavioral preferences. This commentary highlights the importance of integrating preferred physical activity behaviors into health guidance to enhance adherence and long-term sustainability. Light-intensity physical activity, including walking, household chores, and leisure activities, is often more enjoyable and attainable for many individuals, particularly those with sedentary lifestyles. We discuss how health care providers can assess patient preferences, create flexible \"physical activity menus,\" and adapt intensity or activity type over time to maintain engagement. By aligning recommendations with what individuals are likely to do and enjoy, health care providers can support long-term physical activity promotion and advance the primary goals of lifestyle medicine: preventing, managing, and reversing chronic disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":47480,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"15598276261433829"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12982140/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147463979","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Tonya Dodge, Harini Krishnamurti, Jonah Kracke-Bock, Saba Rentia, Brad B Moore
{"title":"Incorporating Handgrip Assessment into Clinical Care: A Feasibility Test of the Healthy Aging Intervention.","authors":"Tonya Dodge, Harini Krishnamurti, Jonah Kracke-Bock, Saba Rentia, Brad B Moore","doi":"10.1177/15598276261434174","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15598276261434174","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Age-related muscle loss is associated with a wide range of negative consequences. Handgrip strength (HGS) assessment provides information about age-related muscle loss, and strength training is one lifestyle factor that helps preserve muscle mass. Whether information about HGS and its link to health outcomes can impact patients is unknown. The Healthy Aging intervention pairs HGS feedback with information about age-related muscle loss and protective steps one can take. <b>Objective:</b> The objective was to gather feasibility information of the Healthy Aging intervention. <b>Methods:</b> Participants (N = 177) recruited from a primary care clinic were randomly assigned to the Healthy Aging intervention (N = 86) or control condition (N = 91). Participants completed a survey that assessed readiness to engage in strength training behaviors and provided feedback on the intervention (e.g., useful, easy to understand). <b>Results:</b> Recruitment yielded a sample with age <i>M</i> = 63.03 years, <i>SD</i> = 13.31, 52% of whom reported having engaged in no days of strength training in the past week. Ninety one percent of patients found HGS feedback useful, and 75% found the information easy to understand. Trends in behavioral readiness to change favored the intervention. <b>Conclusion:</b> Results support moving towards a sufficiently powered efficacy trial of the Healthy Aging intervention.</p>","PeriodicalId":47480,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"15598276261434174"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12982139/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147463952","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Shared Medical Appointments and the Quintuple Aim of Health Care: A State of the Art Literature Review.","authors":"John Stevens, Willow Firth","doi":"10.1177/15598276261433486","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/15598276261433486","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The escalating global burden of chronic disease, increasing health inequities, and provider burnout require innovative care models. Shared medical appointments (SMAs) are group-based interventions with potential to advance the Quintuple Aim framework: patient experience, population health, cost reduction, provider wellbeing, and health equity. This review critically synthesizes evidence regarding SMAs' capacity to meet the Quintuple Aim in lifestyle and chronic disease care. Peer-reviewed studies, including systematic reviews, RCTs, and observational research, were selected through biomedical database searches including Medline CINHAL Joanna Briggs Institute and PubMed. Criteria: SMAs (and other related terms) addressing one or more Quintuple Aim domains. Strong evidence supports enhanced patient satisfaction, timely access, and communication in SMAs. Population health shows improved outcomes for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, COPD, and prenatal care. Cost-effectiveness is achievable with effective design. Provider wellbeing benefits include reduced burnout and improved teamwork. SMAs advance health equity, providing effective models for Indigenous, rural, and disadvantaged cohorts. SMAs align robustly with the Quintuple Aim and demonstrate multi-domain impacts. Chronic disease and lifestyle medicine practitioners and health services should consider their broad adoption and ongoing local adaptation.</p>","PeriodicalId":47480,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"15598276261433486"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12979219/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147463991","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}