U.S. POINTER Study Reports Positive Lifestyle Changes Could Improve Cognition

At the 2025 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) in Toronto, a groundbreaking study shared promising news for older adults concerned about memory and thinking skills. The Alzheimer’s Association U.S. Study to Protect Brain Health Through Lifestyle Intervention to Reduce Risk (U.S. POINTER) is a two-year clinical trial that investigates two different lifestyle programs designed to protect brain health in people at risk for cognitive decline. 

As the first of its kind in the United States, it involved more than 2,100 adults aged 60 to 79 nationwide. Participants shared common risk factors like sedentary lifestyles, less-than-ideal diets, and family histories of memory decline. The study compared a more structured, supportive lifestyle program to a self-guided program where participants made their own choices about healthy habits. 

Both programs focused on four key areas:

1. Increasing physical exercise
2. Improving healthy eating (using the MIND diet, known for brain benefits)
3. Mental and social activities to challenge the brain
4. Heart health monitoring

Both groups showed improvements in thinking skills; however, participants in the structured program who had regular peer meetings, personalized goals, and support from study staff experienced even greater benefits. “The U.S. POINTER study demonstrates that even fairly modest lifestyle changes in exercise, socialization, and diet can protect cognitive function in those at risk for dementia,” said Steven MacDonald, MD, U-M Medical School. “To me, it further reinforces the notion that healthy habits positively impact brain health, and that we’re not powerless in our quest to prevent dementia.” The structured approach helped protect their brains from typical age-related decline for up to two years. These benefits were seen across all ages, genders, ethnic groups, and health backgrounds, including those with genetic risks like APOE-e4, which is linked to Alzheimer’s disease. 

Dementia does not discriminate. The study included people from diverse communities that often face barriers to health care and resources and are underrepresented in dementia research. The success of these lifestyle programs in a diverse group shows that brain health strategies can and should be accessible to everyone.

While not everyone has the same access to health programs, and risk factors for dementia can be higher in some communities, the study sheds light on how even modest changes have the potential to improve cognition and protect the brain.

The Alzheimer’s Association is moving forward with the U.S. POINTER Alumni Extension to assess longer-term impacts of the study’s interventions over the next four years. 

While researchers continue to explore more ways to protect brain health, there’s strong evidence that regular physical activity, a healthy diet, cognitive and social engagement, and managing heart health can make a difference. “The U.S. POINTER study is an exceptional demonstration of just how powerful lifestyle changes can be in the fight against dementia,” said Sami Barmada MD, PhD, U-M Medical School. “Although much of the media spotlight and people’s attention is grabbed by advances in medications—for example, the approval of amyloid-lowering immunotherapy for Alzheimer’s disease—the reality is that some of the most effective tools for combatting dementia are not drugs, but rather consistent lifestyle changes emphasizing regular exercise, mental stimulation, balanced diet, and restful sleep. These are pursuits that everyone can participate in, regardless of age or background. In combination with regular health maintenance, including the control of blood pressure, diabetes and other age-related conditions, lifestyle changes can make a real difference in our memory as we age.”

The success of the U.S. POINTER study, like all research, is only made possible by the generosity of participants and their families, who dedicate their time and energy. 

For more information on the study, please visit:  jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2837046
doi: 10.1001/jama.2025.12923