Long-term effects of a 2-year multidomain lifestyle intervention among older adults

Abstract Background Dementia and cognitive impairment are major public health challenges in our aging societies. Lifestyle interventions may have positive impact on cognition and health of older adults. The Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability (FINGER) previously showed that a 2-year multidomain lifestyle intervention has beneficial effect on cognitive function among older adults. Here we investigated the long-term effects of the intervention on lifestyles and cognition over 11 years. Methods FINGER included 1259 participants, aged 60-77 years, with some risk factors for dementia. They were randomized to regular health advice group (control) or a multidomain intervention group including exercise, dietary counselling, cognitive training, and vascular risk factor management (intervention), both lasting for 2 years. Follow-up visits took place approximately 5, 7 and 11 years after the baseline visit. Lifestyles were measured with an index comprising questions on diet, physical activity, cognitive and social activities, smoking and alcohol use. Cognition was measured with a neuropsychological test battery. Results The beneficial effect of the intervention on lifestyles was sustained until 7 years (p = 0.005 for intervention vs. control). Among older participants the beneficial effect was significant until 11 years. Drop-out from the study was linked to worse lifestyles. Individuals with high intervention participation had better cognitive change than the control group until 7 years (p = 0.003). Those with low intervention participation had worse cognition. Discussion Lifestyle-based interventions can have beneficial effects on lifestyles and cognition even several years after the intervention. Especially participants who adhered well to the intervention had sustained benefits. The findings support the implementation of preventive activities for older adults. Key messages • Beneficial effect of a 2-year multidomain lifestyle intervention on lifestyles and cognition among older adults was sustained several years after the intervention. • Active participation in the intervention was associated with better lifestyles and cognitive function later on.