The U.S. POINTER trial is designed to evaluate two lifestyle interventions over 2 years in 2,000 older adults at risk for dementia, with a primary outcome of a global cognition composite.
RCT (n=2,000)
randomized
Yes
Does a lifestyle intervention improve global cognition in older adults at risk for dementia?
U.S. POINTER is a 2-year randomized trial designed to test whether lifestyle interventions can protect brain health and prevent cognitive impairment in older Americans at risk for dementia.
INTRODUCTION: The U.S. study to protect brain health through lifestyle intervention to reduce risk (U.S. POINTER) is conducted to confirm and expand the results of the Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability (FINGER) in Americans. METHODS: U.S. POINTER was planned as a 2-year randomized controlled trial of two lifestyle interventions in 2000 older adults at risk for dementia due to well-established factors. The primary outcome is a global cognition composite that permits harmonization with FINGER. RESULTS: U.S. POINTER is centrally coordinated and conducted at five clinical sites (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03688126). Outcomes assessments are completed at baseline and every 6 months. Both interventions focus on exercise, diet, cognitive/social stimulation, and cardiovascular health, but differ in intensity and accountability. The study partners with a worldwide network of similar trials for harmonization of methods and data sharing. DISCUSSION: U.S. POINTER is testing a potentially sustainable intervention to support brain health and Alzheimer's prevention for Americans. Impact is strengthened by the targeted participant diversity and expanded scientific scope through ancillary studies.
Baker et al. (2023) conducted an RCT in at risk for dementia (n=2,000). lifestyle interventions vs. lifestyle intervention of different intensity and accountability was evaluated on global cognition composite. The U.S. POINTER trial is designed to evaluate two lifestyle interventions over 2 years in 2,000 older adults at risk for dementia, with a primary outcome of a global cognition composite.