LatAm-FINGERS trial shows structured lifestyle intervention significantly improves cognition in older adults at dementia risk across Latin America, reinforcing U.S. POINTER findings.
Written By: Kirti Kumbhar, M. Pharm (QA)
Reviewed By: Pharmacally Editorial Team
Older adults at increased risk of dementia achieved significantly greater cognitive benefits from a structured lifestyle intervention than from a self-guided approach in the multinational LatAm-FINGERS trial (NCT06492967), extending evidence that multidomain risk reduction programs can preserve brain health across diverse cultural settings. The two-year randomized study enrolled 1,065 participants across 11 Latin American countries and was presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) 2026 while being published simultaneously in The Lancet.
LatAm-FINGERS Trial was developed as a culturally adapted version of the U.S. POINTER trial (NCT03688126) for Latin American populations. The independent randomized trial confirms that the multidomain lifestyle intervention remains effective after adaptation to diverse cultures, healthcare systems, and communities, strengthening evidence for lifestyle-based dementia risk reduction worldwide.
Culturally Adapted Lifestyle Program Targets Multiple Dementia Risk Factors
LatAm-FINGERS evaluated a multidomain intervention that combined supervised physical activity, nutrition counseling, computerized cognitive training, cardiovascular risk monitoring, and structured social engagement. Researchers adapted the program to local cultures while preserving its core scientific framework.
Exercise programs incorporated familiar activities such as salsa, tango, and outdoor group sessions. Dietary counseling modified the MIND diet using regionally available foods including avocado, quinoa, açaí, chia, pumpkin seeds, and aguaymanto. Educational materials were translated and adapted to improve accessibility for participants with limited digital experience.
Dementia is influenced by multiple modifiable risk factors, including physical inactivity, poor diet, cardiovascular disease, and limited cognitive and social engagement. Addressing several of these factors simultaneously may provide greater protection than targeting a single risk factor alone.
Structured Coaching Produced Greater Cognitive Benefits
The single-blind, multicenter randomized trial enrolled adults aged 60 to 77 years with elevated dementia risk and suboptimal cognition. Participants were randomly assigned to either a Systematic Lifestyle Intervention (SLI) group (n=539) or a Flexible Lifestyle Intervention (FLI) group (n=526).
Participants in the SLI group received continuous coaching, supervised exercise, individualized nutrition guidance, computerized cognitive training, vascular risk monitoring, and 38 group sessions over two years. The FLI group received periodic health education and attended four educational meetings without ongoing supervision.
After two years, the structured intervention produced significantly greater cognitive improvement than the flexible approach. The SLI group achieved a 55% greater improvement in global cognition than the FLI group. Statistical analysis also showed significant improvements in episodic memory (p<0.001), executive function (p=0.006), and processing speed (p=0.020). The primary analysis demonstrated a significant difference in annual global cognition improvement between groups (0.31 vs. 0.20 standard deviations; difference 0.11 SD; 95% CI 0.06-0.15; p<0.001). Results remained consistent across multiple sensitivity analyses.
Researchers Highlight Global Relevance
Lead investigator Lucia Crivelli, Ph.D., said the study demonstrates for the first time that culturally adapted lifestyle interventions can improve cognitive outcomes across diverse Latin American populations while remaining practical and affordable for public health implementation.
Laura D. Baker, Ph.D., principal investigator of the U.S. POINTER trial, noted that the results provide independent confirmation that the multidomain intervention can be successfully adapted across different cultures, socioeconomic backgrounds, and healthcare systems. Heather M. Snyder, Ph.D., of the Alzheimer’s Association added that structured guidance and social support appear to be critical components and may eventually complement emerging Alzheimer’s disease therapies.
Path Forward
LatAm-FINGERS is part of the World-Wide FINGERS network, which expands the original Finnish FINGER model to multiple global populations. Together with the U.S. POINTER trial, the study provides growing evidence that structured lifestyle interventions can improve cognitive health in older adults at elevated dementia risk. Researchers believe these findings could support broader implementation of culturally adapted brain health programs, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, and may complement future disease-modifying Alzheimer’s treatments.
What This Means for Patients
This study suggests that regular physical activity, healthy eating, cognitive exercises, social engagement, and careful management of cardiovascular risk factors can work together to preserve memory and thinking abilities in older adults at risk of dementia. Structured programs that include coaching and ongoing support appear to provide greater benefits than general lifestyle advice alone.
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About the Writer
Kirti Kumbhar (LinkedIn) is an M.Pharm graduate with experience in Quality Assurance at Lupin Limited and a strong interest in clinical research, regulatory affairs, and Trial Master File (TMF) management. She has developed knowledge of regulatory documentation, quality systems, compliance, and healthcare research through her professional experience. Passionate about clinical development and continuous learning, Kirti is committed to supporting high-quality healthcare documentation, regulatory excellence, and research-driven healthcare advancements.