Potential of Culturally Tailored Lifestyle Interventions for Cognitive Health: Potential of Culturally Tailored Lifestyle Interventions for Cognitive Health: Lucia Crivelli, PhD

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The LatAm-FINGERS study, a multinational study, evaluated a multidomain lifestyle intervention adapted for older adults across Latin America, a population that has historically been underrepresented in dementia prevention research. The intervention incorporated several components targeting modifiable dementia risk factors, including physical activity, nutrition, cognitive training, and vascular health, and was designed to be culturally and regionally appropriate. Participants were compared with a control group that received general health advice, allowing investigators to assess the feasibility and potential impact of implementing a structured, multidomain approach to dementia risk reduction across diverse Latin American communities.

Results from the trial were presented at the 2026 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC), held July 12-15 in London, United Kingdom. The study represents an effort to expand the evidence base for dementia prevention beyond traditionally studied populations and evaluate whether established multidomain approaches can be adapted to the cultural, socioeconomic, and health care contexts of Latin America. To gain more insight into the research and its broader implications, NeurologyLive® spoke with study author Lucia Crivelli, PhD, professor of neurosciences and head of neuropsychology at Fleni Institute in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Throughout the interview, Crivelli discussed the cognitive improvements observed among participants who received the structured intervention compared with those who received general health advice, including effects across memory, executive function, and processing speed. She also addressed the clinical and public health implications of the findings for historically underrepresented and lower-income populations, emphasizing the importance of making dementia prevention strategies accessible and culturally relevant. Finally, Crivelli discussed ongoing implementation efforts across 6 Latin American countries and the potential application of culturally tailored multidomain interventions among Latino populations in the United States.

Click here for more AAIC 2026 coverage.