title: The Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability (FINGER): study design and progress.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability (FINGER) is a multi-center, randomized, controlled trial ongoing in Finland.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants (1200 individuals at risk of cognitive decline) are recruited from previous population-based non-intervention studies. Inclusion criteria are CAIDE Dementia Risk Score ≥6 and cognitive performance at the mean level or slightly lower than expected for age (but not substantial impairment) assessed with the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD) neuropsychological battery. The 2-year multidomain intervention consists of: nutritional guidance; exercise; cognitive training and social activity; and management of metabolic and vascular risk factors. Persons in the control group receive regular health advice. The primary outcome is cognitive performance as measured by the modified Neuropsychological Test Battery, Stroop test, and Trail Making Test. Main secondary outcomes are: dementia (after extended follow-up); disability; depressive symptoms; vascular risk factors and outcomes; quality of life; utilization of health resources; and neuroimaging measures.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Screening began in September 2009 and was completed in December 2011. All 1200 persons are enrolled and the intervention is ongoing as planned. Baseline clinical characteristics indicate that several vascular risk factors and unhealthy lifestyle-related factors are present, creating a window of opportunity for prevention. The intervention will be completed during 2014.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The FINGER is at the forefront of international collaborative efforts to solve the clinical and public health problems of early identification of individuals at increased risk of late-life cognitive impairment, and of developing intervention strategies to prevent or delay the onset of cognitive impairment and dementia.
authors: Department of Neurology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland; Department of Chronic Disease Prevention, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland; Aging Research Center, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. Electronic address: miia.kivipelto@ki.se.
authors: Miia
authors: M
authors: Kivipelto
authors: Alina
authors: A
authors: Solomon
authors: Satu
authors: S
authors: Ahtiluoto
authors: Tiia
authors: T
authors: Ngandu
authors: Jenni
authors: J
authors: Lehtisalo
authors: Riitta
authors: R
authors: Antikainen
authors: Lars
authors: L
authors: Bäckman
authors: Tuomo
authors: T
authors: Hänninen
authors: Antti
authors: A
authors: Jula
authors: Tiina
authors: T
authors: Laatikainen
authors: Jaana
authors: J
authors: Lindström
authors: Francesca
authors: F
authors: Mangialasche
authors: Aulikki
authors: A
authors: Nissinen
authors: Teemu
authors: T
authors: Paajanen
authors: Satu
authors: S
authors: Pajala
authors: Markku
authors: M
authors: Peltonen
authors: Rainer
authors: R
authors: Rauramaa
authors: Anna
authors: A
authors: Stigsdotter-Neely
authors: Timo
authors: T
authors: Strandberg
authors: Jaakko
authors: J
authors: Tuomilehto
authors: Hilkka
authors: H
authors: Soininen
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D060825:Cognitive Dysfunction / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D018672:Community Health Planning; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland / Q000453:epidemiology; D005853:Geriatrics; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D018673:Nutrition Policy; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care
keywords: Alzheimer’s disease; Cognitive impairment; Dementia; Intervention; Lifestyle; Randomized trial