Lifestyle Modifications Reduce Risk for Cognitive Decline

Results from a 2-year clinical trial show that lifestyle modifications may reduce the risk for cognitive decline and dementia. The study was published in Alzheimer’s and Dementia.

Cognitive decline and dementia, including Alzheimer disease (AD), are a significant and growing public health challenge in the United States and worldwide. Addressing modifiable risk factors could improve neurologic outcomes, as well as risk for cardiovascular disease and disability. Developing effective and sustainable strategies to delay or prevent cognitive decline is an urgent priority to help mitigate the healthcare burden of AD.

The Alzheimer’s Association conducted a 2-year clinical trial, the US Study to Protect Brain Health Through Lifestyle Intervention to Reduce Risk (US POINTER), to evaluate whether lifestyle and behavioral interventions could reduce risk factors for cognitive decline in older adults.

Eligible participants were US residents aged 60 to 79 years at increased risk for cognitive decline. Participants were randomly assigned to receive self-guided or structured interventions. In addition to assessing adherence to the intervention, clinical and cognitive assessments were conducted every 6 months.

Top-line results were presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference 2025, showing that multidomain interventions with a structured framework, such as recommendations, regular team meetings, and weekly goals, can protect brain health in older adults at increased risk for dementia. The US POINTER trial demonstrated the generalizability and adaptability of this intervention model in the US, aligning with findings from international trials such as the Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability.

Based on trial data and relevant biomarkers, the researchers intend to provide guidance on adapting this intervention for diverse communities.

Overall, the US POINTER trial has implications for public health, clinical care, and developing dementia prevention strategies. The authors of this perspective added, “U.S. POINTER will significantly inform public health action on multi-domain intervention for an at-risk population.”

Disclosures: This research was supported by Alzheimer’s Association.