DIGITAL TOOLS AND LIFESTYLE-BASED DEMENTIA RISK REDUCTION - LESSONS FROM WORLD-WIDE FINGERS

Sep 28, 2026

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Digital tools and lifestyle-based strategies are examined through the World-Wide FINGERS (WW-FINGERS) network, a global multimodal dementia-prevention effort involving research teams from 70 countries. Building on the original FINGER model, the review synthesizes trial protocols and published results, identifying ongoing and completed studies and detailing how digital tools support cognitive training. Findings show feasibility across diverse populations, increasing adoption since 2009, and emphasize tailoring selection to participants’ cognitive abilities and usability, with wearable monitoring in some trials.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Methods

Results

Discussion

338 Innovation in Aging, 2025, Vol. 9, No. S2 Abstract citation ID: igaf122.1142 DIGITAL TOOLS AND LIFESTYLE-BASED DEMENTIA RISK REDUCTION: LESSONS FROM WORLD-WIDE FINGERS Su-I Hou1, Parthenia Giannakopoulou2, Miia Kivipelto3, Francesca Mangialasche4, Paola Padilla5, and Alina Solomon3, 1. University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, United States, 2. Imperial College London, London, England, United Kingdom, 3. Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Stockholms Lan, Sweden, 4. Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Stockholm, Stockholms Lan, Sweden, 5. FINGERS Brain Health Institute, Stockholm, Stockholms Lan, Sweden Introduction: The Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability (FINGER) was the first large, long-term randomized controlled trial to show that a two-year multidomain lifestyle intervention improved cognitive function in older adults at risk for dementia. Computer-based cognitive training was a key component. The FINGER model has been globally adapted through the World-Wide FINGERS (WW-FINGERS) network, officially launched in 2017, with growing use of digital tools. Methods: WW-FINGERS, the first global network of multimodal dementia prevention trials, includes research teams from 70 countries. We reviewed trial protocols and published results from the WW-FINGERS Global Scientific Coordinating Center, identifying 20 ongoing and 15 completed trials, including pilot studies. Results: Digital tools have been integrated into seven trials: Maintain Your Brain (MYB, Australia), FINGER (Finland), MIND-ADmini (multi-country), [AgeWell.de](AgeWell.de) (Germany), J-MINT (Japan), MIND-CHINA (China), and SUPERBRAIN (South Korea) . Nineteen published protocols and results were analyzed. Study populations ranged from dementia-free older adults with risk factors or mild cognitive impairment. Digital tools were primarily used for cognitive training via computer programs, web platforms, or tablet applications. Some trials used wearable devices to monitor physical activity. However, discussion on digital tool implementation was limited. MYB was the first fully internet-based WW-FINGERS study, demonstrating online lifestyle interventionscan improve cognition and health outcomes. Discussion: Digital tools are feasible in dementia prevention interventions across diverse populations. Their adoption has increased since the original FINGER study started in 2009. Selection should consider participants’ cognitive abilities, and social engagement components may enhance usability.

FAQs

What is FINGER and why is it important for dementia risk reduction?

FINGER was the first large, long-term randomized controlled trial showing that a two-year multidomain lifestyle intervention improved cognitive function in older adults at risk for dementia.

How are digital tools used in WW-FINGERS trials?

Digital tools are primarily used for cognitive training through computer programs, web platforms, or tablet applications, and some trials use wearable devices to monitor physical activity.

What conclusions are drawn about implementing digital tools?

Digital tools are feasible across diverse dementia-prevention populations, but implementation discussions remain limited; selection should consider participants’ cognitive abilities, and social engagement may improve usability.

Sep 28, 2026

Upload by Adam