Long term dietary changes after a multi-domain lifestyle intervention among older adults (FINGER)

Abstract Background As the global population ages, identifying interventions to promote healthy diet is essential for healthy ageing. The Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability (FINGER) was a 2-year randomized controlled trial that showed cognitive benefits from a multidomain lifestyle intervention. Diet was one of the components, including 3 individual and 6 group sessions. The present study aims to investigate the long-term dietary changes among older adults after the intervention. Methods The FINGER trial included 1259 individuals at risk of dementia aged 60-77 years, randomized into the multidomain intervention (n = 631) or the control group (n = 628). Dietary intake was assessed using a 3-day food record annually during the trial and at the 7-year follow-up (n = 572). A dietary adherence score was calculated based on national dietary recommendations: intake of saturated and polyunsaturated fat, sucrose, fibre, protein, alcohol, vegetables, fruits, and fish. In addition, intakes were analysed as continuous variables using linear mixed modelling. Results At the 7-year follow-up, there were no changes in the diet adherence score within or between groups (estimated mean score 0.15 higher in the intervention group, p = 0.233) compared with the baseline. Preliminary results show that energy intake decreased 290 kJ/d in the intervention (p < 0.01) and 450 kJ/d in the control group (p < 0.001). In addition, the intake (E%) of fat increased, while carbohydrate and protein decreased in both groups (p < 0.01 for each). The improvement in fibre intake was maintained in the intervention group, with a difference between groups still at 7 years (p < 0.01). Conclusions The intake of energy decreased and the macronutrient composition shifted with ageing. Although some dietary improvements - such as fibre intake - were sustained, additional support may be necessary to achieve and maintain broader longer-term dietary changes following an intervention. Key messages • Dietary guidance intervention improves diet quality among older adults, but additional support is needed to achieve and maintain broader longer-term dietary changes after a diet intervention. • The intake of energy decreased over time, and the macronutrient composition changed. Energy intake from protein and carbohydrates decreased while energy intake from fat increased with ageing.