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Alzheimer's Association International Conference 2026

July 12-15, 2026 | London, United Kingdom, and Online

10183

High Five For Life: A Feasibility Study To Implement The Finger-model For Younger Persons In Memory Of Axel Hallinder

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Poster Presenter

Parthenia Giannakopoulou

Authors

Parthenia Giannakopoulou, Celeste A. de Jager Loots, Banke Adeleke, Ella Mauger, Chloe L. Dorrington, Solomis Solomou, Hanne Gilkes, Lefkos Middleton, Miia Kivipelto

Affiliations

Imperial College London, Karolinska University

Part of Topic

Background: The vast majority of current research related to ADRDs and other brain related diseases has focused mainly on middle aged and elderly populations. Very limited research has been conducted among younger populations. According to UN figures, young adults are classified as those between the ages of 15 and 24, accounting for 16% of the global population (1). Brain maturation continues beyond adolescence, extending until around age 25 years (2-4).

Risks associated with dementia start accumulating early in life e.g. low education, malnutrition and socio-economic factors. A healthy lifestyle approach at young adulthood can reduce the risk for future development of dementia (5).

The High Five For Life study (HFFL) is a feasibility study building on the renown FINGER model (6). The pilot was initiated in June 2025 and was concluded end of January 2026. Funds for the study were secured through a fundraising campaign conducted by StepStone Group LP, in memory of Axel Hallinder.

Aims:

o Assess the feasibility of a longitudinal multimodal intervention FINGER-model study in younger adults.

o Promote brain health in younger adults and assess changes in attitude and behaviour relating to brain health.

o Identify key drivers and motivators for younger adults

o Identify the specific risk and protective factors for dementia in young adults.

Students at Imperial College London aged 18-25 years old were recruited via on-site recruitment stalls and posters across the University campus.

Inclusion Criteria:

•Young adults aged 18-25 years old

•Cognitively healthy young adults

•Students at Imperial College London at time of study initiation

•Cognitively healthy

•See a need for a lifestyle improvement

•Willingness to consent and attend visits

•Workshops were led by experts in their respective (doctor, physiotherapist, nutritionist and neuropsychologist)

•Intervention period: 8-week, self-guided through workshop-tailored participant incentives:

o Gym Membership

o Access to an online Brain Training Programme

o Subscription to wellbeing app

o Subscription to healthy meal box subscription

- Onsite Focus Groups post intervention, discussions driven led by workshop leads

•Study Recruitment rate was 34.2%

•Retention rate reached 88.5% and exceeded the limit of 66% initially set as a threshold for success. Adherence to the study assessments remained high throughout the pilot study.

•58% reported vitamins intake including C, D and Omega 3

•42% consume alcohol, 3.8 units/week on average

•Time flagged as biggest hinderance to

• eating healthy

•54% of participants eat limited range of food or pre-prepared meals, but cook by themselves

•Sleep flagged as a major concern – ways to improve sleep quality necessary

•Would like ways to de-stress without use of technology

•A need to connect more with co-participants during the intervention

The study was positively received by participants and was associated with improved attitudes toward general wellbeing and cognitive functioning. Sleep and stress were identified as major areas of concern.

The results of the HFFL study will help guide the design of a longitudinal study in a larger and more diverse population of young adults.

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