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Structured Lifestyle Program Outperforms Self-Guided Model in Slowing Cognitive Decline

Extended follow-ups are under way to assess the long-term impact of the more intensive regimen with biomarker analyses planned to evaluate underlying mechanisms.

The final preparation of a healthy salad and at the end the woman pours olive oil.

Overview

  • The phase 3 US POINTER trial randomized 2,111 sedentary adults aged 60–79 at elevated dementia risk to either a structured multidomain intervention or a self-guided program over two years.
  • The structured arm delivered 38 facilitated team sessions featuring tailored aerobic, resistance and flexibility exercises, MIND diet counseling, BrainHQ cognitive training and regular social engagement.
  • Global cognitive scores rose by 0.243 standard deviations per year in the structured group versus 0.213 in the self-guided group, yielding a statistically significant annual difference of 0.029 SD.
  • Serious adverse events impacted 12% of participants in the structured program compared with 14% in the self-guided model, and fewer intervention-related serious events were recorded in the structured arm.
  • A parallel preprint of nearly 3,000 adults over ten years found that maintaining or increasing daily walking boosted processing speed and executive function, with amplified benefits for APOE4 gene carriers.