The LETHE study aims to use new technological methods both to predict the development of memory disorders and to prevent decline in cognitive functions through a multidomain lifestyle intervention.
As the population ages, the risk of decline in cognitive functions increases. Many lifestyle-related factors (including an unhealthy diet, insufficient physical activity and smoking), as well as risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (high blood pressure and blood glucose levels), increase the risk of decline in cognitive functions. The Finnish FINGER study, coordinated by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), was the first to show that a multidomain lifestyle intervention can prevent cognitive decline among older people. The results of the FINGER study, and practices learned, provide the foundation for the LETHE study.
Goals
The LETHE study aims to use new technological methods both to predict the development of memory disorders and to prevent cognitive decline through a multidomain lifestyle intervention.
Implementation
The project period of the LETHE study ended in June 2025. In the project, THL participated in the development of models for predicting memory disorders that take individual factors into account, using data from several different European studies. The datasets from these studies were harmonised to create a single, extensive dataset. Artificial intelligence and machine learning were used in the analysis of this dataset. The models developed were intended to enable better assessment of the risk of developing memory disorders and to identify factors predicting memory disorders, so that decline in cognitive functions could be prevented already at an early stage of the disease.
In addition, the project included a new two-year pilot study on the prevention of cognitive decline, in which participants were offered a digitally assisted lifestyle programme. In line with the FINGER model, the lifestyle programme included guidance on nutrition, physical activity, stress management, sleep and cardiovascular risk factors. The guidance and data collection made use of, among other things, a mobile application developed for the project. The main objective was to determine whether a digitally assisted lifestyle programme is a meaningful and useful way to improve lifestyles and whether it is easy to follow. The study was carried out simultaneously in Finland, Sweden, Italy and Austria, and a total of 156 ageing participants took part, all of whom were already familiar with the use of digital devices and smartphones. Analysis of the study results is ongoing.
Funding
The EU's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (grant agreement No 101017405).
Partners
- Alzheimer Europe (Luxembourg)
- Combinostics Oy (Finland)
- Extra Red s.r.l. (Italy)
- FH Joanneum (Austria)
- FORTH (Greece)
- Infotrend Innovations Co Ltd (Cyprus)
- i2Grow (Italy)
- KAASA (Germany)
- Karolinska Institutet (Sweden)
- Lisbon Council (Belgium)
- Maastricht University (the Netherlands)
- Medical University of Vienna (Austria)
- Stichting EGI (the Netherlands)
- University of Perugia (Italy)
Contact details
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