ABOUT US

A non-profit foundation driven to advance research on healthy brain aging and the implementation of dementia prevention

After observing the challenges surrounding dementia disorders and cognitive decline, Professors Miia Kivipelto and Maris Hartmanis established the FINGERS Brain Health Institute (FBHI) in Stockholm, Sweden, in 2019.

Based on results from the ground-breaking FINGER (Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability) study, we take a novel approach to prevention, targeting the complex causes of dementia from a range of interdisciplinary perspectives. We incorporate multiple intervention strategies and tools in our solutions. We also drive towards implementing results at a rapid pace, while remaining dedicated to an effective, holistic, and global approach.

Dementia: A global challenge

Every three seconds someone in the world develops dementia

Dementia has been declared a public health priority by the World Health Organization. Every three seconds someone in the world develops dementia and it is estimated that there will be over 150 million cases world-wide by 2050. Cognitive impairment and dementia are the leading causes of disability and institutionalization and constitute rapidly increasing human, social, and economic burdens in aging populations. However, these burdens will not be shared equally, with 80% of the world’s population living in low- and middle-income countries people with the fewest resources will be most affected.

Dementia is a complex and multifaceted disorder without a cure

Subtle signs of dementia can occur up to 20 years before symptoms become severe enough for a diagnosis, by which point treatment options are limited. Presently, there is no cure for dementia. Available drugs focus on reducing symptoms, as all the disease-modifying drug trials have so far failed. It is, therefore, important to search for solutions elsewhere. Dementia is a complex and multifaceted disorder, and can be caused by different underlying diseases. Thus, treatments or preventions should reflect this complexity by focusing on holistic and integrative solutions.

Slow implementation of scientific solutions

Today it takes 15 years or more for scientific findings to be implemented into clinical practice that is recommended to patients. Many challenges make translation from research to practice difficult, from differing knowledge and skills between researchers and clinicians to study designs not reflecting real-world conditions. These differences in understanding and extra steps needed to adapt research designs cause long delays in implementation. A more streamlined transition between research and practice would allow for the general public to benefit from scientific findings to a fuller extent.

FBHI: Accepting the challenge

Holistic approach to dementia prevention and healthy brain aging

Our research takes a multidomain approach, combining lifestyle, pharmaceutical, and assistive technologies to reduce cognitive decline and help prevent dementia by providing holistic solutions to a currently uncurable problem.

Streamlining the transition from scientific findings to real-life benefits

Our method of conducting research with societal values at the forefront of everything we undertake means our findings require fewer adjustments before being applied in real-world settings.

A global vision towards personalized healthcare

Our manner of working is geared towards international collaboration, with an understanding of the necessity for tools and solutions that are culturally specific and tailored to individual needs.

“Based on the FINGER study, we believe that we can prevent at least 30 per cent of all Alzheimer’s cases through modifications of different lifestyle factors. The approach has the potential to delay the onset of the disease and offer additional years without dementia”

— Miia Kivipelto, MD, PhD, Professor. Co-Founder, Scientific & Medical Director of the FINGERS Brain Health Institute.

Our mission

We are dedicated to promoting healthy brain aging and preventing cognitive impairment and dementia through innovative multidomain clinical research and rapid translation of results into personalized interventions and clinical practice

Driven to make a change

10 years ago, Professor Kivipelto conducted the FINGER study, the first randomized, clinical study to show that lifestyle intervention could reduce cognitive decline. The FINGER study constitutes a paradigm shift in the area of brain health. Under the leadership of Professor Miia Kivipelto, World-Wide FINGERS (WW-FINGERS) has expanded on the original study and created a network of clinical trials for risk reduction and prevention of dementia in more than 40 countries.

Our WW-FINGERS Global Scientific Coordinating Center is supporting WW-FINGERS by driving forward the scientific scope, coordination, and harmonization activities within the network and assisting researchers all over the world. Along with WW-FINGERS, FBHI focuses on independent clinical trials, innovative technologies, and implementation in real-life settings.

Learn about our journey

Bringing researchers, entrepreneurs, and experts together

Our diverse team, including researchers, clinicians from all specialties, entrepreneurs, and philanthropists, allows us to collaborate effectively with key stakeholders needed to address the global challenge of dementia disorders world-wide.

Meet our team

Learn how you can support our work

We are a Swedish non-profit foundation that is dependent on external donations and grants. There are several ways you can support the work of the FINGERS Brain Health Institute as an individual, foundation, corporation, or other organization.

Engage today