In 2025, the Alzheimer's Association confirmed, the FINGER approach protects cognitive function in diverse US communities w/ support

US POINTER showed that structure & support is vital

The U.S. Study to Protect Brain Health Through Lifestyle Intervention to Reduce Risk (US POINTER) was designed to test whether the benefits seen in the Finnish FINGER trial would translate to American populations. Launched by the Alzheimer's Association, it is the largest dementia prevention trial ever conducted in the United States. They tested both structured and self-guided intervention groups.

The results, announced in July 2025, confirmed what many hoped: structured lifestyle interventions significantly improve cognitive function in older adults at risk for cognitive decline. The structured intervention group showed significantly greater improvement in cognitive function.

US Pointer Study Abstract

Study Overview

    • 2,111 adults aged 60-79 years

    • Recruited from five geographically diverse U.S. sites

    • All at elevated risk for cognitive decline

    • More than 30% from groups typically underrepresented in dementia research

    • 38 facilitated peer team meetings over two years

    • 30-35 minutes of aerobic activity, 4x/week

    • Strength and flexibility training, 2x/week

    • Adherence to the MIND diet

    • Cognitive training through BrainHQ

    • Regular health metric reviews with study clinicians

    • 6 peer team meetings over two years

    • General encouragement to make lifestyle changes

    • No specific goals or accountability measures

  • Both groups improved, but the structured intervention group showed significantly greater improvement in global cognitive function compared to the self-guided group.

    Key Outcomes:

    • Structured intervention protected cognition from normal age-related decline for up to two years

    • Greater improvement in executive function in the structured group

    • Benefits were consistent across age, sex, ethnicity, heart health status, and APOE ε4 genotype

  • US POINTER answered critical questions about dementia prevention in America:

    1. The FINGER approach works across populations Benefits were seen regardless of race, ethnicity, sex, or genetic risk — confirming that prevention strategies can work for everyone.

    2. Structure and accountability matter While both groups improved, the structured intervention with coaching, specific goals, and regular check-ins produced better outcomes. This validates the importance of support and accountability in behavior change.

    3. It's practical and achievable The intervention was delivered in real-world community settings, proving that effective brain health programs can be scaled beyond research clinics.

The structure and human support you need to improve your cognitive health

Mindr is built on the structured, multi-domain approach proven in the US Pointer and foundational studies. We've translated the research into practical daily activities and coaching that help you build the best version of your life.

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