Neurologist José Miguel Laímez says lifestyle changes could cut Alzheimer risk by half

José Miguel Laímez, chief of neurology at Hospital Universitario Casa de Salud in Valencia, told journalists at the Lundbeck Iberia‑organized Neuroscience Journalists Workshop in Sitges (May 21‑22, 2026) that many brain diseases can be prevented or delayed by targeting modifiable risk factors. He said controlling these factors could reduce the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias by up to 50 % and may lower stroke rates even further.

Laímez highlighted the role of cognitive reserve, built through early and lifelong education, intellectual activity, regular aerobic and strength exercise, a Mediterranean diet rich in omega‑3s, folate and magnesium, social engagement, adequate sleep, and avoidance of smoking, excessive alcohol and prolonged screen time. He cited WHO estimates of 57 million people living with dementia worldwide and 93.8 million stroke cases, underscoring the public‑health relevance of these preventive measures. Clinical studies were mentioned showing that a year of aerobic exercise can enlarge the hippocampus and that physical activity reduces tau protein accumulation linked to dementia progression.