FINGER Model and Approaches to Preventing Alzheimer's Disease

A landmark conversation between leading researchers reveals a shift in how we fight Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Mia Kivipelto of the FINGERS Brain Health Institute and Dr. Laura Neisenbaum from the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) share insights that could reshape brain health treatment.

Major Findings

• Up to 40% of dementia cases link to changeable risk factors
• Most memory clinic patients (72%) need options beyond amyloid-targeting drugs
• New five-day diagnostic process now possible
• Blood tests and digital tools enable earlier detection
• Lifestyle changes plus medication show better results than either alone

The Five Keys to Prevention (FINGER Model)

1. Physical activity
2. Healthy eating patterns
3. Brain exercises
4. Social connection
5. Heart health management

Treatment Evolution

• Testing diabetes drug metformin with lifestyle changes
• Moving past single-drug approaches
• Focusing on aging biology
• Developing personal prevention plans

Global Research Impact

49 countries now participate in FINGER research, with 10,000+ participants. This worldwide effort helps understand how prevention works across different populations.

Future Outlook

• More combination treatments coming
• Better blood tests for early detection
• Personal prevention becoming standard
• Faster implementation of prevention strategies

What This Means For You

Prevention works best when started early. Small lifestyle changes add up, especially when combined with medical advances. The focus is shifting from treating disease to maintaining brain health.
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https://fbhi.se/the-finger-study/ ‍

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jn832S4MbN4/‍

https://www.cnn.com/audio/podcasts/chasing-life/episodes/ab65b26c-37bb-11ef-8219-7bbed9e07687

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