To Tackle Alzheimer’s, We Must Focus on Modifiable Risks – Temitope Kayode
In an era where the world’s aging population is growing faster than ever, the need for innovative, evidence-based strategies to support healthy cognitive aging has never been more urgent. At the forefront of this movement is Dr. Temitope Kayode, an award-winning public health expert and one of the most compelling voices advancing brain health and Alzheimer’s prevention today.
Recognized for her leadership within national aging networks, her influential research, and her bold advocacy, Dr. Kayode is helping shift the global conversation from late-stage Alzheimer’s care to early, equitable prevention.
From Clinical Expertise to Public Health Leadership
Dr. Kayode’s career spans over 15 years across medicine, public health, aging, and health policy, an interdisciplinary foundation that shapes her distinctive approach to cognitive health.
Her work bridges clinical understanding with population-level strategy, making her one of the few emerging experts capable of connecting individual-level risk with national public health frameworks. As a member of the Alzheimer’s Association and the Alzheimer’s Association International Society to Advance Alzheimer’s Research and Treatment (ISTAART), she contributes to global scientific dialogues shaping the future of dementia research.
Dr. Kayode supports national advocacy for Alzheimer’s prevention and elevates research on cognitive decline, social determinants, and aging equity.
Her influence extends into national leadership through the American Public Health Association (APHA), where she serves as Program Chair of the Aging Section. In this role, she has:
- Led high-level scientific programming on dementia prevention and healthy aging
- Coordinated sessions spotlighting innovations in brain health
- Ensured diverse voices and evidence-based interventions shape APHA priorities
Her work at APHA amplifies her research impact, connecting cutting-edge evidence to the systems that influence care, policy, and population health outcomes.
Emerging Research on Aging and Cognitive Health
Dr. Kayode’s research contributions are steadily helping define the evidence base for healthier, more resilient aging. Her recent publications demonstrate the breadth of her expertise:
Remote Work, Well-Being, and Healthy Labor Force Participation Among Older Adults: A Scoping Review
This study explores how remote and flexible work environments can improve the health and participation of older adults in the workforce. It offers a fresh perspective on work–life structures and how they can support long-term brain health.
Promoting healthy aging: A review of community-based interventions to support active aging and independence
In this review, Dr. Kayode synthesizes evidence from community programs that enhance physical activity, social participation, digital literacy, and caregiver support. These real-world interventions serve as powerful tools for maintaining cognitive function and delaying decline.
Together, these publications reinforce her mission to create environments that allow older adults not just to live longer, but to thrive cognitively, socially, and physically.
Pioneering Work on Alzheimer’s Disease and Modifiable Risk Factors
At the heart of her current work is a strong and rising research agenda focused on improving cognitive health and reducing the burden of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias through actionable, population-level risk reduction strategies. Her ongoing study, “The Impact of Behavioral Risk Factors on Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias: Implications for Dementia Risk Reduction,” examines how modifiable behaviors, including physical inactivity, poor sleep, smoking, obesity, diet patterns, and other lifestyle determinants shape trajectories of cognitive decline.
Through this work, Dr. Kayode seeks to generate evidence that can guide interventions, inform policy, and empower communities to adopt protective behaviors that preserve cognitive function across the life course.
Her interest in cognitive aging is grounded in both scientific rigor and a vision for equitable health systems. She has presented abstracts at national conferences and contributed to efforts that expand access to care for older adults.
Dr. Kayode’s research represents more than scientific inquiry; it reflects a public health imperative. Alzheimer’s disease continues to rise in prevalence, disproportionately affecting low-resource communities and populations historically marginalized in healthcare systems. Through her work, she aims to shift the conversation from late-stage treatment to early prevention, translating evidence into strategies that individuals, practitioners, and policymakers can implement.
A Record of Recognition and Influence
Her contributions to the field have been widely recognized. She has been featured in major national outlets, including The Sun Newspaper and Vanguard News, for her advocacy on gender inequality in public health and her work advancing community-led, evidence-based health initiatives. Her accomplishments have also been highlighted internationally, including in the New York Medical College weekly bulletin.
Professionally, her service and leadership have earned prestigious honors such as the Public Health Spotlight Award and the Steven P. Wallace Emerging Advocate Award of the Aging and Public Health Section of APHA. These recognitions reflect her deep commitment to public health as well as her exceptional impact in bridging policy, research, and practice.
Final Words
In Dr. Temitope Kayode, the field of cognitive aging has found a researcher, leader, and advocate whose efforts resonate far beyond the walls of academia. Her journey reflects scientific rigor, policy influence, and a lifelong commitment to improving the lives of older adults.
As she continues to build evidence, shape practices, and elevate the movement for Alzheimer’s prevention, one thing is certain: the future of aging is healthier because of her work.
