In late 2022, Mindr launched a 90-day pilot program to digitally replicate the results of The FINGER Trial with 17 participants of varying ages and cognitive ability.

The results, presented at the 2023 AAIC conference and published in Alzheimer’s and Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association, confirmed to us that it is possible to deliver a digital experience that rivals The FINGER Trial results.

Background

Dementia is one of the leading causes of disability and death among adults 65+ world-wide. One in 14 people over the age of 65 has dementia, and the condition affects 1 in 6 people over 80. By 2050 this number is estimated to increase to 150 million globally.  There is currently no cure for the disease. Therefore, effective and sustainable approaches for dementia prevention and risk reduction are urgently needed. The landmark FINGER study (Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability) demonstrated that a multidomain intervention, including diet, exercise, cognitive training, social interaction, and vascular risk monitoring, can improve or maintain cognitive functioning in the population at-risk. However, implementing a multidomain intervention is challenging since it requires significant resources from healthcare professionals and often poses a considerable burden regarding costs, transportation, and time commitment.

Hypothesis

Using the FINGER trial’s methodology as a basis, our team can deliver a digital multidomain intervention for people at risk for cognitive impairment or with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) with the overall aim to prevent or alter cognitive decline and to offer an easily accessible and inexpensive solution.

Result

After 90 days, 88% of participants had completed the program. 71% indicated that their memory had improved, and 50% reported improvements related to remembering recent conversations, making plans, and completing tasks. The number of reported healthy days increased from 13.6 to 21.4 and the days of limited activity dropped from 9.8; initially to 3.4 at the end.

Conclusion

The digital delivery of a multidomain intervention was a success. A digital dementia prevention and wellness plans can help people at-risk overcome obstacles of cost and time-intensive in-person programs and preserve their cognitive performance.

  • “What a fantastic introduction to all components known to help our brains and delay or prevent dementia. The exercise portion is easy to use. It has helped me develop a new habit. It’s easy to follow and I’ve learned a lot.”

    Janet C.

  • “With Mindr I learned that I am truly not alone and can continue to work on my own cognitive health and my physical health and well-being. There are great coaches here and plenty creative ideas.”

    Charles A.