Physician and researcher delves into lifestyle-related dementia risk

When Jeremy Pruzin was a high school student volunteering at the Banner Alzheimer’s Institute, he could not have guessed he would one day join the esteemed staff as a memory care expert conducting his own research. Today, the Valley native is a physician caring for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients and researching whether lifestyle changes in middle age may delay the onset of dementia.

Dr. Pruzin received a grant from WISH (Women Investing in Science and Health), to build an online dementia risk assessment tool. WISH is an affinity group of women who, in partnership with Banner Health, raise philanthropic support and awareness for areas of health care important to women and their families.

“The adult children of my patients often ask what they can do to prevent their own memory and thinking problems,” says Dr. Pruzin. “It’s a great opportunity to talk with them about lifestyle changes that might have an impact such as intensive blood pressure control, physical activity, diet, social interaction and so much more.”