Trial
FINGER
Research Observatory
Evidence Update
Current evidence
FINGER compared a diet, exercise, cognitive-training and vascular-risk programme with general advice in 1,260 older adults; cognitive composite change was assessed over two years. MAPT used a different multidomain/omega-3 factorial design and comparator. FINGER's modest cognitive-score benefit and MAPT's adjusted null comparisons support an intervention-design-specific, not universal multidomain-prevention claim.
What changed
FINGER's small NTB benefit must be contrasted with MAPT's multiplicity-adjusted null and not attributed to a single component.
What did not change
Cognitive-score improvement does not itself establish reduced dementia incidence.
Why it matters
Keeps active control, adjustment and clinical magnitude visible.
Main limitation
A nominal interval cannot override the adjusted decision threshold. Components differ; neither result by itself demonstrates dementia prevention.
Next proof
Identify replicable programme contrast with clinically meaningful outcomes.
Summary
FINGER compared a diet, exercise, cognitive-training and vascular-risk programme with general advice in 1,260 older adults; cognitive composite change was assessed over two years. MAPT used a different multidomain/omega-3 factorial design and comparator. FINGER's modest cognitive-score benefit and MAPT's adjusted null comparisons support an intervention-design-specific, not universal multidomain-prevention claim.
Intelligence Take
Keeps active control, adjustment and clinical magnitude visible.
Limitations
A nominal interval cannot override the adjusted decision threshold. Components differ; neither result by itself demonstrates dementia prevention.