The U.S. POINTER Study Confirms It: Lifestyle Matters

Last week brought one of the most important breakthroughs in dementia research in recent years. The long-awaited results of the U.S. POINTER Study, a landmark clinical trial funded by the Alzheimer’s Association, were published in JAMA on July 28th . It’s the first U.S.-based study of its kind and it confirms what many in the field have long suspected: when healthy habits are delivered with structure, consistency, and support, they can meaningfully change the trajectory of brain health.

What Was the Study?

The study enrolled 2,500 older adults from five geographically and ethnically diverse regions across the U.S. Participants were selected based on increased risk for cognitive decline due to factors like sedentary behavior, suboptimal diet, family history of memory loss, and cardiometabolic risk (including high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, and obesity). Researchers also controlled for variables like age, sex, race/ethnicity, genetic risk factors (like the presence of the APOE-e4 gene), and heart health.

Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups:

• Structured Intervention received a structured, coach-supported program focused on:
  • Physical Activity: 30–35 minutes of aerobic exercise four times per week, plus strength and flexibility training twice per week.
  • Cognitive Engagement: Computer-based brain training three times per week, alongside ongoing intellectually stimulating and social activities.
  • Nutrition: Support to follow the MIND diet, which emphasizes leafy greens, berries, nuts, olive oil, and whole grains, while limiting sugar and saturated fats.
  • Health Monitoring: Regular tracking of weight, blood pressure, and lab results.
• Self-guided Intervention had a few meetings and received some guidance on incentives to stick with the plan but without the same structured interventions.

What Did They Find?

After two years, participants in the structured lifestyle group showed significantly better memory scores than those in the self-guided group. Especially among those who fully engaged with the program. These benefits were seen regardless of genetic risk, age and background.

Perhaps most promisingly, a majority of participants have opted to continue in a long-term follow-up extension, allowing researchers to evaluate the sustained impact of lifestyle changes on cognitive aging and dementia risk.

Why This Matters for You and Your Family

This study offers families real hope and powerful call to action. If your loved one is showing signs of memory loss, or even if you’ve simply noticed changes in their thinking or behavior, this research underscores just how much of a difference structured support can make. It’s not just about prolonging independence, it’s about improving quality of life now, maintaining dignity, and preserving connection.

Too often, families are told there’s “nothing to be done.” This study proves otherwise: there is something to be done, and it works best when done early.

The results also remind us that trying to make these changes alone, without guidance or accountability, may not be enough. The participants who received coaching, structure, and ongoing support experienced the greatest improvements.

How Lizzy Care Helps Put This Into Action

At Lizzy Care, we’ve long believed that the key to better dementia care is acting early, consistently, and holistically. The POINTER Study confirms what we practice every day: structure matters.

• Our Care Navigators help families build personalized care routines, including daily structure, goal setting, and engagement planning.
• Our Companions reduce isolation, encourage activity, and provide meaningful social interaction — key factors in cognitive health.
• Our Aides can support healthy eating and exercise routines while reporting on daily progress through our app.
• Our Clinical Oversight Team ensures every intervention aligns with best practices and the latest research.

The POINTER study focused on high-risk, underserved populations, the very communities we aim to serve. At Lizzy Care, we help families put these evidence-based lifestyle changes into practice and make them stick.

The Takeaway: Act Early. Get Help. Live Better.

The earlier you start, the more impact you can have. Whether your loved one is newly diagnosed, showing early signs of memory loss, or just “not quite themselves,” now is the time to act.

If you’re wondering what next steps to take, Lizzy Care can help. Reach out to our team to learn how we can build a plan that supports your loved one and protects their future.