Quantifying dementia prevention potential in the FINGER randomized controlled trial using the LIBRA prevention index

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Neuroscience
• Public Health

Background:

• Dementia prevention trials may yield varied benefits based on participants' baseline risk.
• Modifiable dementia risk scores can serve as valuable surrogate or intermediate outcomes in research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if cognitive benefits of the FINGER multi-domain lifestyle intervention varied by baseline dementia risk, assessed using the LIfestyle for BRAin Health (LIBRA) score.
• To examine the intervention's effect on changes in the LIBRA score over time.

Main Methods:

• Post hoc analyses of 1207 participants from the Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability (FINGER).
• Assessment of cognitive benefits related to baseline dementia risk (LIBRA score) and intervention effects on LIBRA score changes over a 2-year period.

Main Results:

• Higher baseline LIBRA scores were associated with less cognitive improvement, irrespective of the intervention group.
• The multi-domain lifestyle intervention effectively reduced LIBRA scores over time.
• Intervention effectiveness on LIBRA scores was consistent across different baseline demographics and cognitive statuses.

Conclusions:

• The cognitive benefits of the FINGER intervention were consistent across individuals with varying baseline LIBRA scores.
• The LIBRA score shows promise as a surrogate endpoint and surveillance tool for monitoring intervention success in dementia prevention trials.