Eric Larson, MD, quoted in The Wall Street Journal about new dementia report

When it comes to preventing dementia, we may have more control than once thought. In a recent article by The Wall Street Journal, Eric Larson, MD, a physician with Washington Permanente Medical Group and senior investigator for the Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, is quoted about dementia prevention research published in a report commissioned by the Lancet medical journal.

The report shows that about 35% of dementia cases may be preventable if people take certain steps, such as exercising and engaging in stimulating cognitive activities. Dr. Larson, who is a co-author on the report, states that lowering dementia risk can be done with some fairly straightforward steps.

“When people ask me how to prevent dementia, they often want a simple answer, such as vitamins, dietary supplements, or the latest hyped idea,” says Dr. Larson. “I tell them they can take many common-sense actions that promote health throughout life.”

The Lancet report is based on findings from hundreds of studies that identify factors associated with dementia risk. In addition to exercise and cognitive training, information from the report shows that blood-pressure control, healthy diet, and sleep can also help prevent dementia.

To read the full article, visit The Wall Street Journal website (subscription required).