Philip Scheltens

At a glance

• Philip Scheltens is a Dutch neurologist and professor emeritus of neurology. He founded the Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, now part of Amsterdam UMC (VUmc location), and led it for many years.
• He developed a widely used visual rating scale for assessing loss of hippocampal tissue on MRI scans, a key feature of Alzheimer’s disease.
• Under his leadership the centre grew into one of Europe’s largest Alzheimer research centres, with a large patient cohort and many clinical trials of new drugs.
• After stepping down as professor he joined an investment fund developing new treatments for dementia.
• He is a sought-after voice in the Dutch media, calling for early diagnosis, more research funding and attention to what people can do themselves.
• For longevity, his work matters because dementia is one of the most feared diseases of old age, and part of the risk is linked to modifiable factors.
• Takeaway: look after your blood pressure, stay active, get hearing problems treated and stay socially engaged; these are recognised risk factors for dementia.