As life expectancy rises, more people are asking how to enjoy a long, healthy “100-year life.” Dr. Hachiro Sugimoto — a leading dementia researcher and the scientist behind Aricept (donepezil), the world’s first Alzheimer’s treatment drug — shared his insights on dementia prevention in a recent newspaper interview. His message: prevention starts now, through daily habits anyone can build.
About Dr. Hachiro Sugimoto
Born in 1942 in Tokyo, Dr. Sugimoto is a pharmacologist and neuroscientist. After joining Eisai Co., he led new drug development and successfully created Aricept, the world’s first Alzheimer’s disease treatment. He has received the Galien Award, the Japanese Pharmaceutical Society Technology Award, and the Medal of Honor for Science and Technology, among others. He has held professorships at Kyoto University’s Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and serves as a director of the Japanese Pharmaceutical Society and representative director of the Dementia Countermeasure Research Council.
Why Dementia Prevention Matters Now
With over 65s living longer than ever, dementia rates are rising. Dr. Sugimoto emphasizes that dementia — particularly Alzheimer’s type — is not simply a disease of old age but the result of accumulated lifestyle habits over decades. Prevention, he says, isn’t about a single fix but about consistently building healthy routines.
4 Dementia Prevention Habits Recommended by Dr. Sugimoto
1. Walk or Exercise for 30 Minutes to Bring Fresh Oxygen to the Brain
Activities like walking and light aerobic exercise for at least 30 minutes a day help deliver fresh oxygen to the brain. Regular movement also improves blood flow, helping regulate blood sugar and blood pressure — both linked to dementia risk.
2. Support Your Body With Bacopa Extract and Essential Nutrients
Dr. Sugimoto highlights Bacopa monnieri extract as a supplement worth considering, alongside other essential nutrients that support cognitive function. Modern life makes it easy to fall short on nutrition — supplementing thoughtfully can help fill the gap.
3. Stay Socially Engaged
Staying socially active is essential to avoiding illness. Dr. Sugimoto notes that maintaining social connections — through community, family, or new interests — plays a key role in reducing dementia risk, especially after retirement.
4. Consider Starting Something New After Retirement
Rather than slowing down, Dr. Sugimoto encourages people to consider new pursuits — even starting a business — after retirement. Staying mentally and socially active later in life supports long-term brain health.
The Bigger Picture: A Lifelong Commitment
Dr. Sugimoto’s own research traces back decades — his interest in Alzheimer’s disease began after his mother developed the condition in her 60s. His message is clear: dementia prevention isn’t a short-term fix, but a lifelong commitment built through daily habits — movement, nutrition, and connection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Dr. Hachiro Sugimoto known for? A: He is a pharmacologist and neuroscientist who developed Aricept (donepezil), the world’s first Alzheimer’s disease treatment drug.
Q: How much exercise does Dr. Sugimoto recommend for dementia prevention? A: At least 30 minutes of walking or light aerobic exercise daily to bring fresh oxygen to the brain.
Q: What supplement does Dr. Sugimoto mention for brain health? A: Bacopa monnieri extract, alongside other essential nutrients that support cognitive function.
Q: Why is social engagement important for dementia prevention? A: Staying socially active helps maintain cognitive stimulation and reduces isolation, both linked to lower dementia risk — especially important after retirement.
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