Madeleine Hull
The FINGER study, an acronym for the Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability, was a two-year, randomised clinical trial of over 2,500 people. The study assessed whether lifestyle interventions such as exercise, brain training, and diet could prevent cognitive decline in elderly people at risk. The diet used in the FINGER study was dubbed the healthy Nordic diet by researchers, which included lots of fish, fruits, vegetables, and oils. This diet is similar to the Mediterranean diet, except rapeseed oil is used instead of olive oil.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Healthy Nordic Diet |
| Similar Diet | Mediterranean Diet |
| Food Groups | Lots of fish, fruits, vegetables, and oils |
| Oil Type | Rapeseed oil |
| Dietitians | Group training, individual sessions, and practical advice |
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What You'll Learn
The 'healthy Nordic diet'
The FINGER study, an acronym for the Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability, is a two-year randomised clinical trial that included over 2500 participants aged 60-77. The study focused on whether lifestyle interventions such as exercise, brain training, and diet could prevent dementia or at least reduce a person's risk of cognitive decline.
The diet used in the FINGER study was called the "healthy Nordic diet" by researchers. This diet includes lots of fish, fruits, vegetables, and oils, which is similar to the Mediterranean diet. However, instead of olive oil, the Nordic diet uses rapeseed oil, which is more locally produced. The success of the dietary interventions was attributed to the practical advice and group and individual training provided by dietitians, which helped participants modify their diets and incorporate healthier alternatives.
The Healthy Nordic Diet is based on the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations and is designed to be a healthy and balanced diet. It is not just a diet for weight loss but a sustainable way of eating that promotes overall health and well-being. The diet is characterised by a high intake of plant-based foods, such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds. It also includes a moderate amount of lean protein, primarily from fish, poultry, and dairy sources. The diet recommends replacing saturated fats with healthy unsaturated fats, such as those found in rapeseed oil, and limiting the consumption of processed foods, added sugars, and excessive salt.
The Healthy Nordic Diet encourages a variety of cooking methods, including baking, steaming, and grilling, to prepare meals that are both nutritious and tasty. It emphasises the importance of home-cooked meals and enjoying food with others. The diet also promotes a mindful and intuitive approach to eating, encouraging individuals to listen to their bodies and respond to their hunger and fullness cues. In addition to the dietary recommendations, the Healthy Nordic Diet also emphasises the importance of regular physical activity and an active lifestyle. It suggests finding enjoyable forms of exercise and incorporating movement into daily routines to promote overall health and well-being.
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Similar to the Mediterranean diet
The FINGER study (Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability) was a two-year, randomised clinical trial of over 2,500 people. The study focused on whether lifestyle interventions such as exercise, brain training, and diet could prevent dementia or at least reduce a person's risk of cognitive decline.
The FINGER study used what researchers dubbed the "healthy Nordic diet", which is similar to the Mediterranean diet. The diet includes lots of fish, fruits, and vegetables, and oils. However, instead of olive oil, the Nordic diet uses rapeseed oil, which is more locally produced. The success of the dietary interventions was attributed to the involvement of good dietitians who conducted group training and individual sessions, providing practical advice and conducting practical exercises with participants to show them ways to modify their diet and make it healthier.
The FINGER study was conducted as a double-blind, randomised controlled trial with 1,260 participants aged 60-77. All participants had an increased risk of dementia but no obvious memory problems. They were divided into two groups: an intervention group and a control group. The intervention group underwent a two-year program of simultaneous multidomain lifestyle interventions in the areas of diet, physical activity, cognitive training, social activity, and monitoring of cardiovascular risk factors. The control group received regular health advice.
The FINGER study has led to multi-domain trials taking place globally, with the World Health Organization working on guidelines for risk reduction. The US POINTER study, a trial in China, and one in Singapore are all based on the FINGER model.
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Lots of fish, fruits, vegetables, and oils
The FINGER study, an acronym for the Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability, is a two-year randomised clinical trial that included 1,260 participants aged 60-77. The study focused on whether lifestyle interventions such as exercise, brain training, and diet could prevent dementia or at least reduce a person's risk of cognitive decline.
The diet used in the FINGER study was called the "healthy Nordic diet" by the researchers. This diet included lots of fish, fruits, vegetables, and oils. Rapeseed oil, for example, was used instead of olive oil because it is more locally produced in Nordic countries. The Nordic diet is not very different from the Mediterranean diet, which research has also linked to a lower risk of dementia.
The FINGER study's dietary interventions were successful due to the involvement of dietitians who provided group training and individual sessions with practical advice on how to modify the diet to make it healthier. The dietitians also provided advice on testing new recipes.
The FINGER study showed that simultaneous lifestyle measures in five areas could help prevent and delay the development of cognitive decline. These five areas, or "fingers," include a healthy diet, physical activity, cognitive stimulation, social activities, and monitoring of risk factors related to cardiovascular disorders.
The FINGER study is ongoing, with a five-year follow-up recently completed and a seven-year follow-up trial currently underway to understand the long-term effects and how well people can stick to the healthy lifestyle.
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Nordic diet uses rapeseed oil
The FINGER study (Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability) was a two-year, double-blind, randomised clinical trial with 1,260 participants aged 60-77. The participants were divided into two groups: an intervention group and a control group. The intervention group received simultaneous multidomain lifestyle interventions in the areas of diet, physical activity, cognitive training, social activity, and monitoring of cardiovascular risk factors. The control group received regular health advice.
The FINGER study relied on a brain-health-friendly diet that the researchers dubbed the "healthy Nordic diet," which features lots of fish, fruits, vegetables, and oils. One of the main differences between the Mediterranean and Nordic diets is the oil used. The Mediterranean diet uses olive oil, while the Nordic diet uses rapeseed oil (also known as canola oil), which is more locally produced. Rapeseed oil is widely used around the world and is famous for its affordability and versatility as a cooking oil. It is commonly found in salad dressings, fried foods, and baked goods.
Rapeseed oil is high in healthy fats and fat-soluble vitamins. It is naturally low in saturated fat and high in unsaturated fat, which is excellent for heart health. It is also a great source of omega-3 and omega-6 fats, which provide numerous health benefits when consumed in moderate amounts. Rapeseed oil has a high smoke point, meaning it can be cooked to high temperatures without burning. It also has a mild flavour, making it suitable for a variety of dishes.
The Nordic diet is based on the traditional foods of the Scandinavian countries: Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland. The diet emphasises natural foods instead of processed foods and encourages the consumption of locally grown and sustainable resources. It typically includes root vegetables, fruits, berries, nuts, and fatty fish or seafood. The Nordic diet has been associated with lower rates of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity compared to the rest of the Western world.
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Group training and individual diet sessions
The diet component of the FINGER study was based on the "healthy Nordic diet," which is similar to the Mediterranean diet. This diet includes a lot of fish, fruits, vegetables, and oils. Rapeseed oil, for example, was used in place of olive oil as it is more locally produced in Nordic countries. The dietitians involved in the FINGER study provided practical advice and exercises to help participants modify their diets and incorporate these new foods. They also provided support and education to ensure participants understood the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations, which formed the basis of the diet component of the study.
The group training sessions were an essential part of the FINGER study's success. These sessions provided a forum for participants to learn from each other and share experiences and challenges. They also allowed the dietitians to provide information and support in a group setting, which can be more engaging and interactive than individual sessions.
In addition to the group training, individual diet sessions were also offered. These sessions allowed for a more personalized and tailored approach to meet the specific needs and challenges of each participant. During these sessions, dietitians could provide one-on-one guidance and help participants set realistic goals and make gradual changes to their diets. They also provided an opportunity to monitor progress and make adjustments as needed.
The combination of group training and individual diet sessions in the FINGER study offered a comprehensive and supportive approach to dietary interventions. By providing both group and individual sessions, the study was able to offer a sense of community and shared experience, while also ensuring that each participant received personalized guidance and support to make sustainable dietary changes.
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Frequently asked questions
The diet used in the FINGER study was based on Nordic Nutrition Recommendations and was dubbed the "healthy Nordic diet" by researchers.
The "healthy Nordic diet" consisted of lots of fish, fruits, vegetables, and oils. Rapeseed oil was used instead of olive oil as it is more locally produced.
The diet, along with other interventions, helped improve blood circulation in the brain and reduced the risk of inflammation and oxidative stress.
