Nearly half of global dementia cases could be delayed or prevented, scientists say
In a new study, scientists have identified 14 modifiable risk factors that boost dementia rates, but could be addressed.
Eric B. Larson
Affiliate Professor of Medicine, UW School of Medicine, University of Washington
A general internist, Dr. Larson has pursued an array of research, ranging from clinical interests such as Alzheimer’s disease and genomics to health services research involving technology assessment, cost-effectiveness analysis, and quality improvement. His research on aging includes a longstanding collaboration between Kaiser Permanente Washington (formerly Group Health Research Institute) and the University of Washington called the Adult Changes in Thought (ACT) study. Since 1992, the longitudinal ACT Study has followed over 5,000 aging participants from the community from age 65 and older, collecting information on health and cognitive function every 2 years. Some develop dementia, and some agree to donate their brains at the end of life. The ACT uses this extensive data resource to identify the risk factors , such as physical inactivity, sensory losses, air pollution and brain injury, and genetic factors that increase the risk of brain disease and find ways to help communities delay or avoid dementia.
