Dr Laura Middleton

Experts / Dr Laura Middleton

Dr Laura Middleton

Associate Professor and Schlegel-UW Research Chair in Dementia and Active Living, Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, University of Waterloo

Cognition abilities are critical to educational and occupational achievement, daily function, and even movement. Unfortunately, cognitive performance declines on average in late life and the prevalence of dementia nearly doubles every five years after the age of 65 years. My research identifies has two focuses: 1) to optimize cognition across the life course and to prevent dementia in late life; 2) to promote strategies to ‘live well’ with dementia. In particular, I investigate the role of physical activity in the prevention of dementia and improvement of well-being among people living with dementia.

Lifestyle changes can reduce dementia risk by maintaining brain plasticity

Walk 10,000 steps a day, cut back alcohol, get better sleep at night, stay socially active — we’re told that changes like these can prevent up to 40 per cent of dementia cases worldwide...

Lifestyle changes can reduce dementia risk by maintaining brain plasticity

Walk 10,000 steps a day, cut back alcohol, get better sleep at night, stay socially active — we’re told that changes like these can prevent up to 40 per cent of dementia cases worldwide...

By Dr Saskia Sivananthan, Dr Laura Middleton