A structured lifestyle programme combining physical activity, healthy eating, brain training and social engagement helped older adults improve memory and thinking abilities, according to new research.

The international study found that participants who received regular guidance and ongoing support achieved significantly greater cognitive improvements than those who received only general health advice.

The findings suggest that personalised lifestyle programmes adapted to local cultures could become an important tool for supporting brain health in ageing populations.

A Global Approach to Dementia Prevention

The study, known as the Latin American Initiative for Lifestyle Intervention to Prevent Cognitive Decline (LatAm-FINGERS), followed 1,065 older adults across 11 Latin American countries for two years.

Researchers examined whether lifestyle changes could help people with an increased risk of dementia maintain or improve cognitive abilities. The project was funded by the Alzheimer’s Association and presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) 2026 in London. The research was also published in The Lancet.

The programme was based on previous evidence from the Finnish FINGER trial and the U.S. POINTER study, which showed that addressing several health factors at the same time may help protect brain function.

However, researchers did not simply copy existing programmes from other countries. Instead, they adapted the approach to local communities, considering cultural traditions, available foods, technology access and everyday habits.

Adapting Healthy Habits to Local Communities

One of the key goals of LatAm-FINGERS was making brain health recommendations realistic and accessible for different populations.

Exercise sessions included familiar activities such as salsa and tango, as well as group workouts in outdoor public spaces. Nutrition guidance was based on a modified version of the MIND diet, which focuses on foods associated with brain health.

Researchers adjusted recommendations to include locally available ingredients such as avocado, quinoa, açaí, aguaymanto, chia seeds and pumpkin seeds. Study materials were translated and redesigned for different communities, while additional support was provided for participants who had limited experience using digital tools.

The researchers emphasised that successful lifestyle programmes need to fit people’s daily lives rather than require major changes that are difficult to maintain.

Comparing Support And Health Advice

Participants were randomly divided into two groups with different levels of support.

The Systematic Lifestyle Intervention (SLI) group included 539 people. They received regular coaching, supervised exercise sessions, nutrition counselling, computer-based cognitive training, monitoring of cardiovascular risk factors and 38 group meetings aimed at encouraging social interaction and long-term commitment.

The Flexible Lifestyle Intervention (FLI) group included 526 participants. They received general health education and attended four group sessions during the two-year period covering topics such as diet, exercise, mental activity, social engagement and vascular health.

The main difference between the groups was the level of continued support and structure provided throughout the programme.

Greater Improvements In Memory And Thinking

After two years, participants who followed the more intensive SLI programme showed significantly stronger cognitive improvements than those who received general advice.

The structured group achieved a 55% greater improvement in overall cognitive performance compared with the flexible intervention group. Researchers also observed larger gains in memory, executive function and processing speed.

The results suggest that combining several lifestyle factors may be more effective than focusing on a single behaviour. Physical activity, nutrition, mental stimulation and social connections each influence different aspects of brain health, and addressing them together may create a stronger effect.

The Role of Long-Term Support

Researchers say the findings highlight that information alone may not always be enough to encourage lasting lifestyle changes. Regular coaching, social interaction and practical guidance appeared to play an important role in helping participants maintain healthier habits.

The study also demonstrates that dementia prevention strategies can be adapted for different cultures and healthcare systems. As populations around the world continue to age, affordable and accessible lifestyle programmes could become an important part of efforts to support cognitive health.

While lifestyle changes cannot guarantee protection from dementia, the research adds to growing evidence that everyday habits can influence brain health over time. Combining movement, balanced nutrition, mental activity and social connection may offer a practical way for older adults to support their cognitive well-being.