Researchers are testing a new program called LifeWise that helps older adults with heart and metabolic problems protect their brain health and prevent memory loss. The program combines seven different healthy habits: managing chronic conditions, brain exercises, good nutrition, physical activity, better sleep, mental health support, and staying socially connected. The study includes 1,220 patients aged 65 and older from China, along with their caregivers, and will track their progress for two years. This research is important because many older adults with multiple health conditions face higher risks of cognitive decline, and this is one of the first programs designed specifically to help both patients and their caregivers together.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a comprehensive home-based program combining seven healthy lifestyle areas can slow down memory and thinking problems in older adults with heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure, and whether it also helps their caregivers.
  • Who participated: 1,220 people aged 65 and older who have multiple heart and metabolic health conditions, plus their caregivers. All participants are from three hospitals in Tianjin, China. Half will receive the LifeWise program, and half will receive standard care.
  • Key finding: This is a study protocol (a plan for research), not yet completed results. The researchers will measure whether the program helps prevent cognitive decline over 24 months by tracking brain function, health markers, and quality of life in both patients and caregivers.
  • What it means for you: If successful, this program could offer a practical way for people with multiple health conditions to protect their brain health while also supporting their caregivers. However, results won’t be available for several years, and the program’s effectiveness in other countries or populations is still unknown.

The Research Details

This is a randomized controlled trial, which is considered the gold standard for testing whether a treatment works. Researchers will randomly assign 1,220 patient-caregiver pairs into two groups: one group receives the LifeWise program, and the other group receives standard medical care. The LifeWise program has two phases: an intensive 6-month period with structured activities covering seven health areas, followed by 18 months of personalized self-management support adjusted based on each person’s daily tracking data.

The study will measure outcomes at five time points: at the start, and then at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. This allows researchers to see how quickly benefits appear and whether they last over time. The program is delivered at home, making it accessible for older adults who may have difficulty traveling to clinics.

The seven components of LifeWise are: managing chronic diseases, brain-boosting activities, balanced eating, regular exercise, improved sleep, mental health support, and social connection. This multi-domain approach recognizes that brain health depends on many interconnected factors, not just one or two.

This research design is important because it tests a real-world program that addresses multiple health needs simultaneously, rather than focusing on just one factor. By including both patients and caregivers, the study recognizes that caregiving is demanding and that supporting both parties together may be more effective. The 24-month duration allows researchers to determine whether benefits are temporary or sustained, which is crucial for understanding whether this approach is worth implementing widely.

This is a well-designed study with several strengths: it uses random assignment to reduce bias, includes a large sample size (1,220 participants), has multiple measurement points to track changes over time, and measures many relevant outcomes including cognitive function, health markers, and quality of life. The study is being conducted in a real-world setting (home-based) rather than a laboratory, which increases relevance. However, because this is a protocol paper (the study plan, not results), we cannot yet assess whether the program actually works. The results will be published in future papers once data collection is complete.

What the Results Show

This paper describes the study plan rather than actual results. The primary goal is to measure whether the LifeWise program slows cognitive decline (problems with memory and thinking) in older adults with multiple heart and metabolic conditions. Researchers will use standardized cognitive tests to measure overall brain function at baseline and throughout the 24-month period.

The study will also track whether the program helps patients better manage their chronic conditions and whether caregivers experience cognitive benefits as well. Secondary measures include physical function, depression symptoms, social isolation, and whether participants develop dementia during the study period.

The researchers will also monitor cardiometabolic health markers such as weight, blood sugar control, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels to see whether the program helps improve these underlying conditions, which may indirectly protect brain health.

Beyond cognitive function, the study will examine several other important outcomes: whether the program reduces depression and social isolation, improves physical fitness and nutrition, enhances sleep quality, and reduces hospitalizations or mortality. The study will also use brain imaging to look for changes in brain structure and function. Importantly, the research will measure the caregiver’s own cognitive health and quality of life, recognizing that caregiving stress can affect the caregiver’s brain health.

Previous research has shown that multi-domain interventions (programs addressing multiple health areas) can help prevent cognitive decline in older adults. However, most existing programs focus only on the patient, not the caregiver. This study builds on that evidence by testing whether including caregivers in the intervention improves outcomes for both parties. The focus on people with multiple chronic conditions (cardiometabolic multimorbidity) is also novel, as most previous dementia prevention programs studied healthier older adults.

Because this is a protocol paper, actual results are not yet available. The study is being conducted only in China, so findings may not apply to other countries with different healthcare systems, cultures, or populations. The program requires significant participant engagement and self-monitoring, which may be challenging for some older adults or caregivers. Additionally, the study cannot determine whether benefits come from the specific LifeWise program components or simply from increased attention and support. Finally, because participants know whether they’re receiving the intervention or standard care, there’s potential for placebo effects or bias in how participants report their symptoms.

The Bottom Line

This is a research protocol, not yet completed, so no clinical recommendations can be made. However, the seven components of LifeWise (disease management, cognitive training, nutrition, exercise, sleep, mental health, and social engagement) align with existing evidence-based recommendations for brain health in older adults. While waiting for LifeWise results, older adults with heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure should discuss with their doctors about incorporating these seven areas into their daily lives. Caregivers should also prioritize their own health and social connections.

This research is most relevant to older adults (65+) with multiple chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure, and their caregivers. Healthcare providers, public health officials, and policymakers should follow this research because it could inform how we prevent dementia in the growing population of older adults with multiple health conditions. Family caregivers should care because the program specifically addresses their needs and health. Younger adults without these conditions can benefit from the general principles of brain health but should not feel pressured to follow a program designed for older adults with specific health conditions.

Results from this study will not be available for several years, as data collection continues through 2027 (24 months after the study starts). If the program is effective, it would likely take 3-6 months to see meaningful changes in cognitive function, though some health improvements (like blood pressure or weight) might appear sooner. Benefits would likely continue to build over the full 24-month period.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Users could track the seven LifeWise components daily: (1) chronic disease management (medication adherence, doctor visits), (2) cognitive activities (puzzles, learning), (3) nutrition (meals logged), (4) physical activity (steps, exercise minutes), (5) sleep (hours and quality), (6) mood/mental wellness (daily mood check-in), and (7) social engagement (time with others). A simple daily checklist showing completion of each area would provide visual feedback and motivation.
  • The app could guide users through a structured 6-month intensive phase with daily reminders and educational content for each of the seven areas, then transition to a personalized maintenance phase where the app learns which activities work best for each individual and adjusts recommendations accordingly. Users could set specific, measurable goals (e.g., 30 minutes of walking daily, one social activity weekly) and receive encouragement when they meet targets.
  • Long-term tracking should include monthly assessments of cognitive function (simple memory or attention games), quarterly health metrics (weight, blood pressure if available), and ongoing daily logging of the seven lifestyle areas. The app could generate monthly reports showing trends and identifying which components the user is maintaining well and which need more support. Caregivers could have a parallel app tracking their own health and engagement in the program.

This article describes a research study protocol, not completed results. The LifeWise program has not yet been proven effective in humans. This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Older adults with heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or concerns about memory loss should consult their healthcare provider before starting any new health program. Caregivers experiencing stress or health concerns should also speak with their doctors. Results from this study may not apply to all populations or healthcare settings. Always discuss any major lifestyle changes with your healthcare team.