New Study Proves the Value of Lifestyle Management’s Positive Impact on Brain Health
A strong connection between lifestyle, wellness, and brain health has finally been established in a rigorous, double-blind, multi-year study. Called The POINTER Randomized Clinical Trial, the results were published on July 28, 2025, in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) and simultaneously presented at the International Conference of the Alzheimer’s Association. Its simple message: healthy behavior has a powerful impact on brain health.
Lifestyle and Brain Health: What the POINTER Study Found
The study provides a relatively simple brain health recipe:
- Physical exercise: 30–35 minutes of moderate-to-intense aerobic activity four times a week, plus strength and flexibility exercises twice a week
- Cognitive exercise: A computer-based brain training program three times a week for 30 minutes, plus regular engagement in other intellectually challenging and social activities
- Nutrition: Adherence to the MIND diet, which emphasizes dark leafy greens, berries, nuts, whole grains, olive oil, and fish, and limits sugar and unhealthy fats
- Health monitoring: Regular check-ins on blood pressure, weight, and lab results
The results were best for individuals enrolled in a structured program of lifestyle intervention versus those who followed a self-guided program. The structured program included 38 facilitated peer team meetings over nearly two years, a prescribed activity program with measurable goals for physical exercise, adherence to the MIND diet, brain training through BrainHQ, and regular health reviews. In contrast, the self-guided program included six peer team meetings where lifestyle changes were encouraged. While no direct coaching was available to this group, study staff were available for questions and general encouragement.
Juniper’s Approach to Brain Health and Memory Care
Juniper has been committed to providing high-quality memory support for nearly two decades, with strong attention to people, program, and place. In the late 1990s, Juniper developed and built two secure memory care communities, which were, we believe, the first small-house models in the country. The small-house or neighborhood model is now synonymous with purposeful environments designed to maximize ability and well-being.
Our programming was originally designed to provide diverse activities in a structured format for individuals at different stages in their cognitive journey. These activities are further supported by specialized tools to facilitate engagement and, most importantly, by the skills of our team members in encouraging participation and providing person-centered care. People are central to the experiences we provide, and our Wellspring programs focus on training and mentoring.
Wellspring 2.0: Expanded Brain Health and Memory Support Programs
In the past, Juniper offered three programs: Secure Wellspring memory care, Wellspring Without Walls for those needing structured support without a secure environment, and Wellspring Fellowship, a secure day program in select communities. Moving forward, Juniper plans to provide three updated programs:
- A secure residential memory care program
- A Fellowship Day program offered within and outside of a secure environment
- A Brain Health Program available to all residents, with or without cognitive challenges
Both the Day Program and Brain Health Program focus on wellness as described in the pilot study. In select locations, a Marama Recode offering will also be available as a day program. While the general Brain Health Program may be self-guided, Juniper intends to form active peer groups to deliver evidence-based outcomes through the Catalyst program for personalized wellspan. The secure residential program will also offer defined lifestyle management options tailored to residents’ needs and wishes.
The Brain Health Program will be available at all Juniper communities, while secure residential and day programs will be offered in select locations. All Wellspring 2.0 programs are developed to deliver person-centered care, individualized to each person’s needs and stage in their journey. Juniper will work with the GUIDE program for initial dementia assessment and use community-based cognitive testing to measure program effectiveness over time.
Integrating the GUIDE Program into Memory Care
GUIDE (Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience) is a program established by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). It provides care coordination, comprehensive cognitive assessment, and access to specialized medical professionals trained in dementia care. Its goal is to improve the lived experience of individuals with memory loss and their caregivers while reducing hospitalizations.
Juniper plans to partner with an approved GUIDE provider responsible for assessments, care planning, and medication management, while Juniper’s Connect4Life program will continue to support care coordination and care transitions. This partnership increases access to geriatric cognitive assessments, brain health services, medical support, and education for residents and community members. GUIDE also supports medication reconciliation to help reduce polypharmacy and avoid complications from contraindicated prescriptions.
Dementia Training, Certifications, and Professional Development
Juniper offers a rigorous in-house training program focused on person-centered dementia care. The company also provides Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP) training at all communities, supported by coaching, mentoring, and advanced learning opportunities for career development in memory care.
The nationally recognized CDP program equips team members with practical strategies and evidence-based knowledge to deliver compassionate, high-quality dementia care. Juniper encourages and supports team members in pursuing this certification to maintain consistent standards of excellence in memory care across all communities.
Delivering Person-Centered Memory Care and Support
Person-centered care places the individual’s needs, preferences, and values at the center of support and caregiving. Juniper believes that even individuals with significant cognitive challenges can participate in care decisions when caregivers take time to understand their life history, involve family, and meet individuals where they are.
Juniper’s approach is informed by Victoria Howard Fitch’s work on the psychological tasks of aging, which emphasizes life review, slowing, and transmission. This philosophy shapes Juniper’s training programs, which guide caregivers in using simple, meaningful practices—such as making eye contact and ensuring clear visibility—to create authentic, respectful connections.
With a multimodal care approach and a strong community of trained caregivers, Juniper strives to provide memory care that is not only attentive, but responsive, partnering with each individual to support quality of life and well-being.
