Finnish Finger Study (randomized controlled trial)

Brief comment: I believe studying a new field, taking up new habits (crossword puzzles), would be sufficient to get the brain moving if pursued by individuals at risk for dementia.

Acquiring a high level of education has also been found found to be "protective" of developing cognitive decline in ageing.

Abstract of the FINGER STUDY

The Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability (FINGER): study design and progress.Kivipelto M1, Solomon A, Ahtiluoto S, Ngandu T, Lehtisalo J, Antikainen R, Bäckman L, Hänninen T, Jula A, Laatikainen T, Lindström J, Mangialasche F, Nissinen A, Paajanen T, Pajala S, Peltonen M, Rauramaa R, Stigsdotter-Neely A, Strandberg T, Tuomilehto J, Soininen H.

Author information: Department of Neurology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland; Department of Chronic Disease Prevention, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland; Aging Research Center, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. Electronic address: [email protected]. Abstract

BACKGROUND: Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability (FINGER) is a multi-center, randomized, controlled trial ongoing in Finland.MATERIALS: Participants (1200 individuals at risk of cognitive decline) are recruited from previous population-based non-intervention studies. Inclusion criteria are CAIDE Dementia Risk Score ≥6 and cognitive performance at the mean level or slightly lower than expected for age (but not substantial impairment) assessed with the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD) neuropsychological battery. The 2-year multidomain intervention consists of: nutritional guidance; exercise; cognitive training and social activity; and management of metabolic and vascular risk factors. Persons in the control group receive regular health advice. The primary outcome is cognitive performance as measured by the modified Neuropsychological Test Battery, Stroop test, and Trail Making Test. Main secondary outcomes are: dementia (after extended follow-up); disability; depressive symptoms; vascular risk factors and outcomes; quality of life; utilization of health resources; and neuroimaging measures.

RESULTS: Screening began in September 2009 and was completed in December 2011. All 1200 persons are enrolled and the intervention is ongoing as planned. Baseline clinical characteristics indicate that several vascular risk factors and unhealthy lifestyle-related factors are present, creating a window of opportunity for prevention. The intervention will be completed during 2014.

CONCLUSIONS: The FINGER is at the forefront of international collaborative efforts to solve the clinical and public health problems of early identification of individuals at increased risk of late-life cognitive impairment, and of developing intervention strategies to prevent or delay the onset of cognitive impairment and dementia.

Dennis

Dennis Mazur

Not necessary all subjects have their own importance . Brain has own functions pre decided.

Thank you Dennis. The FINGER project is excellent platform. Both, learning at early age, then studying a new field as young individual, does contribute to brain natural growth. In case of individuals at risk for dementia, one may need quite focused support in support of developing cognitive skills to prevent or slow somewhat the natural decline as a result of ageing. This indeed, remains to be a quite a challenging subject for research and experimentation not just in the field of Neurology but other disciplines that could contribute such, Psychiatry, Sociology, Education, and other related fields of studies.