Updated FINGER model cards support cognitive functions – a card also available in English
By supporting healthy lifestyles, it is possible to prevent cognitive decline and physical disability of older people and to postpone the need for illness-related help. The FINGER model, based on research evidence, provides practical instructions to support lifestyle changes for older people.
As the population ages, the number of people with memory disorders and the costs for caring them are expected to rise. Investing in risk reduction will reduce human suffering and the need for social and health care services related to memory disorders. Multiprofessional cooperation and cost-effective operating models for brain health promotion can help prevent memory disorders as well as other common chronic diseases with similar risk factors.
The FINGER study coordinated by THL has shown that by adopting a healthier lifestyle, cognitive function and physical capacity of older people can be improved. The FINGER study thus serves as a global model for research projects promoting the brain health of older people.
The practical FINGER model, which helps health care actors to instruct older people to maintain their brain health and physical capacity, was created on the basis of the research results.
FINGER model cards support the objectives of the National Memory Service Path
By the end of 2023, the National Memory Service Path model will be created under the coordination of Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL). The model is used to provide instructions for developing services that promote brain health and the early identification, treatment and monitoring of memory disorders. The project responds to the sub-objectives of the National Programme on Ageing in which the aim is to direct preventive measures and measures that improve functional capacity to at-risk groups and older people and to enhance the equality of services.
One of the objectives of the National Memory Service Path project launched last year is to support the application of the FINGER model to health care and to integrate FINGER-based lifestyle interventions into the national service path.
The lifestyle intervention model for older people has been summarised as a Know and Act card, which has now been published in its new form in Finnish and Swedish. A new card in English is also available. The cards provide a concrete tool for implementing lifestyle intervention for older people.
Webinar series: Towards the National Memory Service Path
The implementation of the FINGER model will be reinforced as part of the National Memory Service Path project. The objective is to increase the competence of social welfare and health care personnel and others who work with older people in identifying the risk of memory disorders and providing guidance.
The webinar on the FINGER study and model is open to everyone:
