Dr. Ron Petersen: A New Tool to Predict Dementia

Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks with Dr. Ron Petersen, the world-renowned neurologist and director of both the Mayo Clinic Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging. And while ANY conversation with "Dr. Ron" is rewarding, this one covers a new tool that can estimate a person's risk of developing Alzheimer's disease years before symptoms appear. 

Dr. Ron walks us through how Mayo Clinic scientists developed the tool based on decades of data from the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging. And he also shares more about how this tool will help everyone reduce their risk of developing dementia.

During the conversation, Dr. Ron references lifestyle factors that can help reduce a person's risk of developing dementia. You can learn more about the POINTER recommendations in this AARP article.

And writing of AARP: Support for this episode comes from AARP. AARP Minnesota helped give all Minnesotans the gift of paid leave. Even better, AARP Minnesota wants to help you prepare for what paid leave could mean for you and your loved ones, because caregivers shouldn't have to choose between a paycheck and taking care of themselves or a loved one. Starting in 2026, Minnesota's new Paid Family and Medical Leave program will be here to help. And that means when you need time off to care for family, you can get part of your pay and your job will be there when you return. Please learn more at AARP.org/MNPaidLeave. Thank you, AARP, for helping give this gift for every season of life.