What the U.S. POINTER results mean for public health initiatives and the Alzheimer's Association

Abstract

The Alzheimer's Association launched the U.S. Study to Protect Brain Health Through Lifestyle Intervention to Reduce Risk (U.S. POINTER), a 2 year clinical trial to evaluate whether lifestyle or behavioral interventions that simultaneously target multiple risk factors protect cognitive function in > 2000 older adults (ages 60–79) at increased risk for cognitive decline. Top-line results from the study demonstrated that a structured, multi-domain lifestyle intervention significantly reduces cognitive decline compared to a self-guided approach over the 2 year interventions. U.S. POINTER positive trial results have far-reaching implications for public health, clinical care, and possibly dementia prevention strategies in the United States and the world. This perspective describes the implications and the Alzheimer's Association's commitment to creating the conditions that make this possible; activating individuals, communities, and organizations to take charge of and improve their brain health and creating conditions or environments for the success of implementation in communities. Highlights: A growing body of evidence suggests that lifestyle modifications may play a critical role in reducing the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. U.S. Study to Protect Brain Health Through Lifestyle Intervention to Reduce Risk (U.S. POINTER) positive trial results have far-reaching implications for public health, clinical care, and possibly dementia prevention strategies in the United States and the world. U.S. POINTER will significantly inform public health action on a multi-domain intervention for an at-risk population. Continued analysis of trial data, including biomarkers, along with insights from the Alzheimer's Association-funded Alumni Extension study, will offer additional insights on the impact of the trial intervention and provide valuable guidance on how best to adapt the intervention for diverse communities.