Alzheimer's Association
TORONTO, July 29, 2025 — A groundbreaking study presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) 2025 in Toronto has unveiled promising results for older adults at risk of cognitive decline. The U.S. Study to Protect Brain Health Through Lifestyle Intervention to Reduce Risk (U.S. POINTER) demonstrated that structured lifestyle interventions can significantly enhance cognitive function in this vulnerable population. Conducted over two years, the study compared a structured intervention with a self-guided approach, revealing that the former yielded greater improvements in global cognition.
The findings, published simultaneously in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), highlight the potential of lifestyle changes in mitigating age-related cognitive decline. Participants in the structured intervention group experienced notable cognitive benefits, maintaining or even improving their cognitive abilities over the study period. This was achieved through a comprehensive program involving physical exercise, nutrition, cognitive challenges, and social engagement.
U.S. POINTER: A Landmark Study
U.S. POINTER stands as the first large-scale, randomized controlled trial in the United States to explore the impact of lifestyle interventions on cognitive health in diverse communities. The study enrolled over 2,000 participants aged 60 to 79, who were at high risk for cognitive decline due to factors such as sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, and family history of memory impairment. Participants were divided into two groups: one receiving a structured intervention and the other a self-guided program.
According to Joanne Pike, DrPH, president and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association, the study underscores a critical public health message: “Healthy behavior has a powerful impact on brain health.” Pike emphasized the scalability of the intervention, noting its effectiveness across various demographics, including different sexes, ethnicities, and genetic risk profiles.
Structured vs. Self-Guided Interventions
The structured intervention involved 38 peer team meetings over two years, with participants engaging in aerobic, resistance, and stretching exercises, adhering to the MIND diet, and participating in cognitive training through BrainHQ. Regular health reviews and goal-setting with clinicians were also integral to the program. In contrast, the self-guided group attended fewer meetings and received general encouragement without specific coaching.
Laura D. Baker, Ph.D., the principal investigator from Wake Forest University School of Medicine, highlighted the significance of these findings: “The potential to improve cognition with fewer resources and lower participant burden is compelling. Even modest lifestyle changes can protect the brain.”
Implications for Future Research and Treatment
As the study progresses, researchers are keen to delve deeper into the data to further understand the intervention’s effects on brain health. Heather M. Snyder, Ph.D., senior vice president of medical and scientific relations at the Alzheimer’s Association, suggests that future treatments for Alzheimer’s and other dementias will likely involve a combination of drug and non-drug strategies. “Complex diseases like heart disease and cancer use combination treatment strategies tailored to individual characteristics,” she noted. “U.S. POINTER provides a strong foundation for such approaches.”
The Alzheimer’s Association plans to invest an additional $40 million over the next four years to continue following the participants and to expand the program to communities nationwide. This investment aims to build on the momentum of U.S. POINTER by launching several initiatives, including a personal brain health assessment tool and a virtual training program for healthcare providers.
The Road Ahead
While the results of U.S. POINTER are promising, experts caution that the rollout of these interventions must be handled with care. Snyder emphasized the need for tailored approaches that consider local environments and individual needs. The study’s success has paved the way for further exploration into the integration of lifestyle programs with pharmacological treatments, potentially revolutionizing the approach to cognitive decline and dementia.
As the world grapples with the growing burden of dementia, the insights gained from U.S. POINTER offer a beacon of hope. The Alzheimer’s Association continues to lead the charge in research and advocacy, striving for a future where cognitive decline can be effectively managed or even prevented through informed lifestyle choices.
