Research
Lifestyle has now become an evidence-based treatment
Article no. 38 · July 16, 2026 · Updated October 11, 2026 ·
At the recently concluded AAIC in London, the third evidence-based study on the importance of lifestyle was presented. These three large international studies now point in the same direction. Exercise, diet, brain training, and control of risk factors are no longer just good advice. They have become part of the scientifically grounded treatment for cognitive decline and dementia risk.
For many years, people with Alzheimer's disease have been told that they should exercise, eat healthily, and keep their brains active. The advice has been well-intentioned, but many have wondered how strong the scientific support truly is.
Now the answer is clear.
It started in Finland
In 2015, the Finnish FINGER study was published, led by Prof. Miia Kivipeltoo. Researchers had older individuals with an increased risk of dementia participate in a comprehensive program involving physical activity, a healthy diet, brain training, and careful control of blood pressure and other vascular risk factors.
The result attracted significant attention. Participants who followed the program maintained their cognitive abilities better than the control group.
Many still questioned whether the results only applied to Finland.
The USA provided the answer
Ten years later, the American U.S. POINTER study emerged.
Over 2,100 people participated in a two-year program that worked with the same basic idea: exercise, MIND diet, cognitive training, social activity, and treatment of risk factors.
The results were presented in the summer of 2025.
They confirmed that a structured lifestyle program improves cognitive development.
It was an important step. Now there was evidence from the USA as well.
