11/14/2025
The Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) is currently in session and scientists around the world are gathering to share research results. Below is breaking news on the results of a two-year study called the US POINTER study, including the benefits of cognitive engagement for protecting brain health. While the study focuses on protective factors to minimize risk for developing dementia, we also know that those who have mild to moderate dementia benefit from these same lifestyle habits. Here is the report issued from the Alzheimer's Association this week:
BREAKTHROUGH NEWS: Today marks a turning point in what we know about brain health.
The results from U.S. POINTER, a two-year, randomized controlled clinical trial, provide the rigorous data needed to say with confidence that healthy behaviors can meaningfully protect brain health across diverse populations in the U.S.
The findings, shared for the first time today at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference, tested lifestyle programs that simultaneously targeted risk factors for cognitive decline. The programs focused on:
✅👟Aerobic exercise
30–35 minutes of moderate-to-intense aerobic activity 4X times a week, plus strength and flexibility exercises 2X a week.
✅🧠Cognitive engagement
Computer-based brain training program 3X a week for 30 minutes, plus regular engagement in other intellectually challenging and social activities.
✅🥗Nutrition
Adherence to the MIND diet, which emphasizes dark leafy green, berries, nuts, whole grains, olive oil and fish, and limits sugar and unhealthy fats.
✅🫀Health Monitoring
Regular check-ins on blood pressure, weight and lab results.
Participants followed a self-guided or structured lifestyle program. Remarkably, cognitive function improved over the two years for both intervention groups. The group that followed a more structured program improved even more.
U.S. POINTER is the single largest research commitment the Alzheimer’s Association has made in its history. Thank you to our community, our donors, the study participants and the staff. You made these findings possible.
Learn more at: https://www.alz.org/us-pointer/study-results.asp
