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Two-Year Randomized Trial Finds Structured Lifestyle Program Improves Cognition in At-Risk Older Adults

The team calls for broad adoption of coach-led, multi-component programs as a low-risk way to curb dementia risk.

Overview

  • Florida Atlantic University researchers report in the American Journal of Medicine that a structured, team-based lifestyle intervention improved global cognition over two years in older adults at high risk of decline.
  • Participants recorded statistically significant, clinically meaningful gains in executive functions, including memory, attention, planning and decision-making.
  • The program combined regular physical activity with Mediterranean- and DASH-style diets, cognitive training and social engagement.
  • A related commentary highlights POINTER results showing greater cognitive improvement with coach-led programs than self-guided approaches, consistent with the earlier FINGER trial.
  • Authors estimate up to 45% of dementia risk is modifiable and urge coordinated clinical, public-health and policy actions to scale these cost-effective interventions.