LatAm-FINGERS lifestyle program improves cognition 55% more than basic advice

September 6, 2026 at 10:18 PM2 min

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Older adults at risk of dementia in 11 Latin American countries improved memory and thinking skills after a two-year culturally adapted lifestyle program. Participants receiving structured coaching showed 55% greater cognitive improvement than those given basic health advice. The findings were presented at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference 2026 in London and published in The Lancet.

Key Facts

The LatAm-FINGERS study followed participants for two years across 11 Latin American countries.
Participants receiving structured coaching improved cognition 55% more than those given basic health advice.
The study was funded by the Alzheimer's Association and published in The Lancet.
Lead author Lucia Crivelli, Ph.D., is a principal investigator at Fleni neurological institute in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The program adapted the MIND diet to include locally accessible foods such as avocado, quinoa, açaí, aguaymanto, chia, and pumpkin seeds.

Study Design and Adaptation

The LatAm-FINGERS study was a two-year lifestyle intervention trial conducted across 11 Latin American countries. It was funded by the Alzheimer's Association and built on the U.S. POINTER model. Multinational working groups from every participating country determined which program elements to keep consistent and which to adjust for local culture, climate, available foods, and technology access. Exercise options included salsa, tango, and outdoor group workouts in public parks. Nutrition guidance modified the MIND diet to incorporate regional foods like avocado, quinoa, açaí, aguaymanto, chia, and pumpkin seeds.

Cognitive Benefits and Diversity

Participants who received structured coaching and support showed 55% greater cognitive improvement than those who received basic health advice. The study included significant racial and ethnic diversity, as well as a wide range of education and socioeconomic status. Laura D. Baker, Ph.D., stated that the results demonstrate brain health can be improved across diverse communities with varying access to resources. The findings were presented at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference 2026 in London and published in The Lancet.