Health-related quality of life in a multidomain intervention trial to prevent cognitive decline (FINGER)

IntroductionThe Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability (FINGER) successfully demonstrated that multidomain lifestyle intervention can improve or maintain cognitive functioning in at-risk individuals. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was a secondary endpoint.MethodsThe intervention (n = 631) aimed at healthy diet, increased physical activity, cognitive training, and vascular risk management. The control group (n = 629) was given general health advice. HRQoL was assessed at baseline, 12, and 24 months using validated RAND-36 (SF-36) instrument with 8 scales.ResultsDuring the 2-year intervention period, mean scores in all scales decreased in the control group, but increased in the intervention group for vitality (12 months), social function (12 months), and especially general health at both 12 and 24 months. There was a statistically significant beneficial effect of intervention on the change in general health and physical function at 12 and 24 months.ConclusionMultidomain lifestyle intervention improved also important dimensions of HRQoL.