LatAm-FINGERS study: Five lifestyle habits boost cognitive health in older adults

The LatAm-FINGERS study, the first randomized multicenter trial in Latin America on cognitive decline prevention, found that a multi-domain lifestyle intervention led to 55% greater cognitive improvements compared to general health advice in older adults at risk of dementia. The results were published in The Lancet and presented at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference 2026 in London.

What the study found

Over two years, 1,065 participants aged 60–77 from 11 countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, Dominican Republic, and Uruguay) followed a structured protocol. The intervention group showed significant gains in global cognition, episodic memory, attention, and executive functions Source: Infobae. The study's completion rate was 82.3% Source: Excelsior MX.

The five pillars

The intervention combined:

• Physical activity
• Healthy diet
• Cardiovascular risk control
• Cognitive training
• Social interaction

These were implemented simultaneously and adapted to Latin American realities Source: El Colombiano.

Regional significance

“LatAm-FINGERS demonstrates that prevention of cognitive decline in Latin America is not only possible but can be built on evidence generated in our own region,” said Dr. Lucía Crivelli, lead investigator and neuropsychologist at FLENI, Argentina. The study highlights that up to 54% of dementia cases in the region could be prevented by addressing modifiable risk factors Source: Infobae opinion. Researchers caution the findings do not guarantee individual protection but provide robust evidence for public health strategies Source: Emol.