Tuesday, we talked about Maintaining Your Melon — or manteniendo tu melón in Spanish. The U.S. POINTER study demonstrated that cognitive decline could be reduced using two different approaches in over 2,000 subjects with an average age of 68. Based on the U.S. POINTER design, the Latin American Initiative for Lifestyle Intervention to Prevent Cognitive Decline (LatAm-FINGERS), was adapted for use in 11 Latin American countries. The results were similar to the U.S. POINTER study; both groups improved their global cognitive scores. The approach was slightly different.

While they also used a similar demographic for age, health issues, and diminished global cognitive status, and a structured approach and self-guided approach, they tailored it for every country, which I think was brilliant. It’s similar to the approach used in studies that teach the Mediterranean diet but adapted for specific countries and culture.

Why try to teach people to focus on eating wholegrain pasta when the primary source of carbs in that country is wholegrain rice? That applies to the types of vegetables, fruits, protein sources, and spices used in cooking. But that’s not all. They also used forms of movement most likely to get greater participation for the exercise program. Salsa, tango, and large-group outdoor exercise programs were incorporated into the exercise program if it was part of the culture. I think that approach should be universal for all lifestyle programs.

The question could be raised as to why the structured program was more beneficial in any of the countries where this type of study was used. Although the programs didn’t answer that, in my opinion, it’s the personal attention that the subjects received with diet and exercise. Those participants benefit the most because they can get personalized direction exactly at the time they need it. Keep that in mind when you think you’re ready to change your lifestyle. What are you prepared to do today?

        Dr. Chet

Reference: Lancet, 2026; 408 (10553): 417 DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(26)01278-X