Precision medicine for dementia: what the EVANTHEA trial found
Quick answer
Precision medicine looks for the underlying factors behind each person’s cognitive decline, rather than relying on a single drug. In preliminary results from the EVANTHEA randomised trial, 84% of people with mild cognitive impairment or early dementia improved in cognitive function after nine months. The results are not yet peer reviewed.
One of the most exciting presentations at this year’s IPM2026 conference was the announcement of the preliminary results from the EVANTHEA trial—a randomised controlled study investigating whether a personalised precision medicine approach can improve outcomes for people with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and early dementia.
The results, which are due to be published shortly, are incredibly encouraging. After nine months, 84% of participants showed improvements in cognitive function, 4% remained stable, and only 12% declined.
What makes this study particularly exciting is that it didn’t rely on a single drug. Instead, researchers looked for the underlying factors contributing to each person’s cognitive decline. Participants underwent extensive testing for metabolic health, nutritional deficiencies, infections, environmental toxins and cardiovascular risk before receiving an individualised treatment programme.
One finding that really stood out was the role of environmental toxins. Seventy-eight percent of participants had mycotoxin exposure, and homes had to be tested and remediated for mould before patients could even join the study. In our own clinic, we frequently see even higher rates, particularly here in Scotland, where damp housing makes mould exposure more common.
Participants were also supported by a multidisciplinary team, including a nutrition professional, health coach, exercise coach and a dedicated study partner. They followed a mildly ketogenic diet, used continuous glucose and ketone monitoring, wore Oura Rings to optimise sleep, completed BrainHQ cognitive training and HeartMath stress resilience exercises, and were treated for underlying infections where appropriate.
Reading the study felt remarkably familiar because it closely reflects the personalised approach we already use at CogMission. While we eagerly await the peer-reviewed publication, these preliminary findings provide encouraging evidence that investigating and addressing the root causes of cognitive decline may offer real hope for many people living with early memory problems.
The future of dementia care may not lie in a single treatment—but in understanding the unique biology of each individual.
Common questions
What is the EVANTHEA trial?
EVANTHEA is a randomised controlled study testing whether a personalised precision medicine approach can improve outcomes for people with mild cognitive impairment and early dementia. Preliminary results were announced at the IPM2026 conference, and the full results are due to be published shortly.
What did people in the EVANTHEA trial actually do?
Participants were supported by a multidisciplinary team and followed a mildly ketogenic diet. They used continuous glucose and ketone monitoring, wore Oura Rings to optimise sleep, and completed BrainHQ cognitive training and HeartMath stress resilience exercises. They were also treated for underlying infections where appropriate.
Was mould exposure part of the EVANTHEA trial?
Yes. Seventy-eight percent of participants had mycotoxin exposure, and homes had to be tested and remediated for mould before people could join. At CogMission, we frequently see even higher rates, particularly in Scotland, where damp housing makes mould exposure more common.
This article is for general information and isn’t a substitute for personal medical advice. Please speak to your GP (family doctor) or a qualified practitioner before making changes to medication or treatment.