Mrs. Maria, 68 years old, came to her appointment worried. She had forgotten the name of a neighbor she had known for twenty years and, on the same day, left the stove on after making coffee. "Doctor, could this be the beginning of dementia?"
"The data and clinical case cited in this article are fictitious and are for illustrative purposes only, serving to facilitate understanding of the topic addressed."
Occasional forgetfulness is part of normal aging and does not, by itself, mean that a person will develop dementia. But there is a question that science has been trying to answer for years: can we do something in our daily lives to protect the brain and reduce the risk of cognitive decline? A very recent study conducted in Latin America brought an encouraging answer.
What was discovered
In July 2026, the LatAm-FINGERS was released, the largest study ever conducted in Latin America on the prevention of cognitive decline in older adults. It was published in one of the most respected medical journals in the world, The Lancet, and presented at a major international congress on Alzheimer's in London.
The study lasted two years and involved 1,065 people, aged between 60 and 77 years, in eleven Latin American countries, including Brazil. All participants had some increased risk of developing memory and thinking problems in the future.
The main result was this: those who followed a structured program, with close monitoring by health professionals, showed a 55% greater improvement in cognition than those who received only general health guidance on their own. In other words, knowing what to do is not enough—follow-up and support along the way make a big difference.
Why this study is important
Until now, most research on dementia prevention came from countries such as the United States, Finland, and other European nations. The problem is that dietary habits, culture, access to health care, and daily routine in Latin America are different. The LatAm-FINGERS showed that the same principles work here too, when adapted to our reality.
The researchers themselves are keen to make clear: this does not mean that dementia can be completely prevented, nor that there is an individual guarantee of protection. What the study shows is that acting on certain habits, in a combined and constant manner, brings real and measurable benefits to the brain.
The five pillars that made a difference
The program worked on five areas at the same time, not one at a time. According to the researchers, it is precisely this combination that enhances the results.
1. Regular physical activity
Moving the body frequently helps maintain better blood circulation to the brain and promotes the formation of new connections between neurons. It doesn't need to be intense exercise; what matters is regularity.
2. Healthy eating
A balanced diet, with fewer ultra-processed foods and more natural foods, protects blood vessels and reduces inflammation in the body, two factors directly linked to brain health.
3. Control of cardiovascular risk factors
High blood pressure, diabetes, and uncontrolled cholesterol increase the risk of cognitive problems. Keeping these numbers under control, with medical monitoring, is one of the most effective ways to protect memory in the long term.
4. Cognitive training
Exercising the mind with activities that challenge reasoning, such as games, reading, or learning new things, helps keep the brain active and more resistant to the natural wear and tear of time.
5. Active social life
Maintaining frequent contact with other people, participating in groups, and having regular conversations also emerged as one of the study's pillars. Social isolation is a known risk factor for cognitive decline.
What this means in practice
The main message of the LatAm-FINGERS is that caring for the brain does not depend on an expensive medication or sophisticated technology. It depends, mainly, on habits sustained over time and, preferably, with some type of support or monitoring, whether from a health professional, a group, or even family members.
If you are over 60 years old, or have someone in your family at this stage of life, it is worth looking at these five points and thinking about small possible changes. The study shows that you don't need to change everything at once; what matters is consistency.
This article is intended exclusively for informational purposes and does not replace a medical consultation. If you have concerns about memory, attention, or other cognitive aspects, see a doctor.
Dr. Rebeca Soares Andrade CRM - GO 39335