Laura Middleton, Dept. of Kinesiology, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences , University of Waterloo.

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.

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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...

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New Brain Health Guidelines – What GPs Can Do

Tuesday 4th August, 7pm - 9pm AEST

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Scientia Prof Kaarin Anstey

Psychologist; Director, UNSW Ageing Futures Institute; ARC Laureate Fellow; Senior Principal Research Scientist, NeuRA

Scientia Prof Kaarin Anstey translates the WHO's updated 2026 dementia risk-reduction guidelines changes into concrete actions for opportunistic risk assessment and targeted advice in everyday general practice.