Study Seeks to Examine Lifestyle Change and Alzheimer's

The Illinois Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association discussed the US POINTER study, an investigation into how lifestyle changes affect Alzheimer's disease, slated for completion in 2023, reports WSIU . The study will focus on a combination of diet, physical activity, social activity, and cognitive exercises, based on a Finnish initiative that uncovered benefits in thinking and memory among participants. The U.S. version is being modified for the United States' diverse population. The Alzheimer's Association's Carl Hill said African Americans and Latinos are disproportionately affected by Alzheimer's and dementia. "What are those factors that hang together to create and sustain disparities and Alzheimer's and other dementia?" he asked. "We know that culture impacts lifestyle and environment impacts lifestyle, so those are important to consider." The POINTER study will concentrate on two locations in Chicago, while concerns about COVID-19 have forced the study to pause for the time being.