[Good Brain 2022] "Dementia Prevention Requires Multi-Domain Simultaneous Approach... 'Finger' Research Underway Worldwide"

[Asia Economy Reporter Youngwon Kim] "Preventing dementia is not sufficient by focusing on just one risk factor. We need to consider multiple risk factors and mechanisms. I call this multi-domain interaction."

Miia Kivipelto, professor at Karolinska Institute (founder of Worldwide FINGERS), said this during her lecture titled "International Cooperation to Overcome Dementia" at the 'Good Brain 2022 International Conference' held on the 21st at the Westin Chosun Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul. As she emphasized, Professor Miia participated in the dementia prevention research 'FINGER program,' which is based on multi-domain intervention.

Professor Miia began her lecture by introducing the global status of dementia. She explained, "With aging populations, dementia is rapidly increasing and can be considered almost an 'epidemic.' Currently, there are about 50 million people worldwide with dementia, and this number is estimated to reach approximately 150 million by 2050."

However, Professor Miia argued that the notion that dementia is a normal part of aging should be avoided. According to the 2019 World Alzheimer Report, two out of three people believe dementia is a normal part of aging, and one in four feel there is nothing they can do to prevent cognitive impairment and dementia. In response, Professor Miia introduced 12 preventable dementia risk factors, including diabetes, hypertension, obesity, depression, smoking, and social isolation. She also cited research showing an increased risk of cognitive impairment following COVID-19 infection, adding, "This is a very interesting fact because it is not solely due to aging."

Among the various dementia risk and protective factors, Professor Miia emphasized the importance of their multi-domain interaction. The first study to demonstrate the possibility of preventing cognitive impairment through such multi-domain intervention is the FINGER program. Just as a hand has five fingers, FINGER simultaneously manages five risk factors: ▲healthy and balanced diet ▲regular exercise ▲cognitive training using the brain ▲social activities ▲vascular and metabolic risk factors. Professor Miia said, "Engaging in activities that manage these daily is the best recipe for a healthy brain."

The FINGER study results published in The Lancet in 2015 were positive. Professor Miia explained, "There was a 25% improvement in cognitive domains, 150% in processing speed, and 40% in complex memory. In contrast, the control group showed a 30% increased risk of cognitive decline." Besides cognitive benefits, the FINGER program also resulted in a 20% reduction in cardiovascular risk. The effects were observed in individuals who adhered to lifestyle interventions at least 50% of the time.

Following these results, many countries showed interest in adopting the FINGER model, and Professor Miia established 'Worldwide FINGERS (WW-FINGERS)' in 2017 to support them. Currently, more than 45 countries participate in Worldwide FINGERS. Professor Miia stated, "Nine studies have been completed, 15 are ongoing, and many are in the planning stages. Through Worldwide FINGERS, it is easier to compare results and share data for faster implementation."

Recently, efforts have been made to upgrade the research with 'FINGER 2.0.' The goal is to combine the FINGER model with pharmacological interventions to achieve better effects and outcomes. As an example, she introduced 'MET Finger.' MET Finger is a new experiment combining the diabetes drug metformin with dementia treatment. Professor Miia said, "Metformin affects many key features of Alzheimer's disease, such as inflammation. Therefore, we thought it would be a good candidate to add to the FINGER program." MET Finger is set to begin soon with 600 participants across the UK, Sweden, and Finland.

Additionally, attempts have been made to integrate new technologies into the FINGER program, such as using mobile applications like 'E-health' and 'M-health.' Professor Miia explained, "Mobile apps and AI technology can monitor physical activity and lifestyle interventions and provide feedback on positive effects."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.