Eric Larson

Eric Larson serves as Clinical Professor in the Department of Health Systems and Population Health at the University of Washington School of Public Health. He concurrently holds leadership roles as Vice President of Research and Health Care Innovation at Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington, Senior Investigator and Executive Director at Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, and Principal Investigator of the Adult Changes in Thought (ACT) Study.

His educational background includes:

• MPH from the University of Washington (1977)
• MD from Harvard Medical School (1973)
• BA from Stanford University (1969)

Larson's research spans over 30 years studying aging and dementia prevention in populations aged 80+. He challenges conventional aging narratives through his concept of "enlightened aging" – building resilience via mental, physical, and social reserves. His work reveals critical connections between lifestyle factors (exercise, glucose levels) and cognitive decline, emphasizing public health approaches for an aging society.

His notable recognition includes:

• Member of the National Academy of Sciences

Larson directs the ACT study, a longitudinal "living laboratory" tracking over 5,000 participants for three decades. This initiative maintains one of the world's largest brain banks and has produced pivotal findings including exercise reducing dementia risk by 35-40%, glucose levels as dementia risk factors, and head injury links to Parkinson's pathology.