Family FINGER: Lifestyle Intervention Among Older Caregivers
Family FINGER: a Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial of Healthy Lifestyle Intervention Versus Standard Care Among Older Caregivers
Tarja Välimäki
100 participants
Jun 22, 2026
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
The Family FINGER study enrolls caregivers aged 65 or older who live with and care for a spouse with cognitive impairment in North Savo, Finland (estimated n=100). This intervention builds on the FINGER study, which showed improved cognitive performance and health benefits, including better health-related quality of life. The intervention will be tailored to meet caregivers' specific needs. The overall aim of the Family FINGER trial is to assess the efficacy of this intervention on the positive mental health of spousal caregivers. Specific research questions are as follows: 1. What is the efficacy of the Family FINGER intervention on mental health? 2. What is the efficacy of the Family FINGER intervention on secondary outcome measures: dementia risk, cognition, and lifestyles?
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria4
- Aged 65 and older.
- Caregiver for a spouse with cognitive impairment.
- Live in the same household with the care recipient.
- The presence of modifiable risk factors for health: at least one self-reported lifestyle-related risk factor, or self-reported CAIDE dementia risk scores of 6 or higher, or a self-reported burdensome caregiving situation.
Exclusion Criteria2
- A medication for Alzheimer's disease or diagnosis of dementia or suspected dementia (such as referral to or ongoing assessment process at memory clinic, or MoCa < 18 points).
- Any health condition affecting safe engagement in the intervention, or the caregiving situation is such that specialised social or health care services are needed before safe engagement in the intervention can be ensured, according to clinical judgement.
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Interventions
The intervention includes physical activities, social activities, cognitive training, cardiovascular health management, and dietary guidance. The exercise intervention includes at least weekly supervised and independent training in aerobic, strength, and balance exercises, along with social activities. The training will be progressive in resistance level, duration, and frequency. Cognitive training encompasses individual and/or group-based sessions, as well as independent digital cognitive training. Vascular risk management interventions include assessments and consultations regarding blood pressure, blood lipids, glucose levels, body weight, smoking, and alcohol consumption. The dietary intervention will be based on national guidelines and include individual and group visits. All interventions will be delivered by trained study staff. Interventions are tailored according to the participant's health status, caregiving situation, and/or functional limitations.
Locations(1)
View Full Details on ClinicalTrials.gov
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NCT07627386