FINGER - research project
Finnish intervention study to prevent cognitive decline and disability (FINGER) was the first study to show that a multidomain lifestyle intervention is beneficial for prevention of cognitive decline.
The FINGER study investigated efficacy of a multidomain lifestyle intervention including dietary guidance (according to national recommendations), physical activity, cognitive training, and monitoring and management of cardiovascular risk factors. The control group received general health advice. The active intervention period lasted for 2 years, and participants are followed up by control visits five, seven and eleven years after the end of the intervention.
The intervention group improved more in all studied cognitive domains: executive function, processing speed, and complex memory tasks. Intervention was beneficial regardless of genetic risk or baseline risk factor levels.
In addition to cognitive benefits, health-related quality of life and physical functioning were better maintained in the intervention group, and there were fewer new chronic diseases.
THL has launched a model to support this work. The FINGER model includes identification of those at risk, as well as support for healthy lifestyles supporting healthy aging.
THL has launched a model to support implementation of the study results in everyday practice. The FINGER model includes identification of those at risk, as well as advice on how to promote healthy lifestyles supporting healthy aging in health care. The FINGER Model is currently available in Finnish and Swedish.
To facilitate international collaboration in studying effects of lifestyle intervention for cognitive function, Miia Kivipelto has launched the World Wide FINGERS initiative, a global network combining efforts to implement new studies as well as health promotion policies.
Results
The FINGER Model
International collaboration
Publications
Contact details
Tiia Ngandu
Coordinator of the Project, Research Manager
tel. +358 29 524 7716
E-mail: [email protected]
Jenni Lehtisalo
Researcher
tel. +358 29 524 8573
E-mail: [email protected]
Katri Hemiö
Field coordinator
tel. +358 29 524 8648
E-mail: [email protected]
Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL)
Public Health Promotion Unit
P.O. Box 30, FI-00271 Helsinki
Thesis:
Rydström, Anders: Mental stimulation and multimodal trials to prevent cognitive impairment and Alzheimer ́s disease. Karolinska Institutet, Inst för neurobiologi, vårdvetenskap och samhälle / Dept of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society; 2023-08-17.
The FINGER model is now being replicated in over 40 countries – including populations from a variety of geographical and cultural backgrounds. This worldwide effort is collectively referred to as