What is the effect of all kinds of lifestyle changes on the thinking ability of the elderly? In the so-called FINGER-NL study, five Dutch research centers are joining forces to answer this question. Together, scientists from Maastricht UMC+, Radboudumc, Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Wageningen University and the UMCG in Groningen will investigate how different lifestyle interventions can contribute to improving the brain health of the elderly. The research project officially started this week.
thinking ability
Previous scientific research has shown that several factors can increase the risk of cognitive decline. Some of these risk factors can influence people themselves through lifestyle changes. An earlier Finnish study called FINGER showed that a combination of exercise, a healthy diet, good cardiovascular health control and memory training significantly improves the thinking ability of older people. In addition, recent research shows that other lifestyle factors, including better sleep and sufficient relaxation, may also have a positive effect on thinking ability. In the FINGER-NL study, all these lifestyle factors are bundled into one comprehensive two-year lifestyle intervention.
lifestyle
dr. Sebastian Köhler is a researcher at the Alzheimer Centrum Limburg (part of MUMC+) and one of the leaders of the study: “The idea that a healthy lifestyle is important for your brain is still relatively new. With FINGER-NL we want to provide the ultimate proof that what is good for your heart is also good for your brain.” The personalized lifestyle program in this study lasts 2 years and focuses on several factors associated with brain health, such as exercise, memory training, cardiovascular health, nutrition, sleep, relaxation and social activities. Participants in this study are between 60 and 79 years old. With the results of the study, a more targeted lifestyle advice can be given, with the aim of preventing a decline in the thinking ability of the elderly.
For more information about FINGER-NL, please visit: https://mocia.nl/onderzoeken/finger-nl/
Want to participate yourself?
Are you between 60 and 79 years old and interested in participating in this study? Then go to www.hersenonderzoek.nl and give up!
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