LatAm-FINGERS trial finds two‑year lifestyle program sharply improves memory in older Latin Americans

A two‑year, culturally adapted lifestyle intervention evaluated in the LatAm‑FINGERS trial involved 1,065 participants aged 60‑77 from 11 Latin American countries. The program combined supervised exercise (including regional dances), a MIND‑based diet, computer‑based brain training, regular health monitoring, and small‑group social activities.

Participants receiving the full program showed about a 55% greater annual improvement in memory and other cognitive domains compared with a control group that received only brief health advice. Benefits were consistent regardless of age, education, ethnicity, or genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease.