TOPIC: Alzheimer's Disease

As the U-S population ages, the nation's rate of Alzheimer's is expected to quadruple over the next 50 years. What is it like to live with Alzheimer's? We'll have one man's story. We'll also take a look at the latest research and technology that is bringing about more accurate diagnoses and more effective treatments.

GUESTS:

Paul Solomon, PhD
Dr. Solomon is the Clinical Director of the Memory Disorders Clinic at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington, Vermont. Dr. Solomon is Professor of Psychology and founding Chairman of the Neuroscience Program at Williams College. He is a licensed Psychologist specializing in neuropsychology and is particularly interested in the neuropsychology of memory disorders and their treatment. Dr. Solomon has written four books on the topic, contributed chapters to 15 edited volumes, and co-authored and presented more than 125 research papers. Dr. Solomon has been the recipient of research grants to study memory and memory disorders from the National Science Foundation, the National Institute of Mental Health, and the Environmental Protection Agency. He is a recipient of a National Research Service Award from the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Solomon is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association, The American Association for the Advancement of Science and a member of the National Academy of Neuropsychology. He is on the board of the Western Massachusetts Chapter of Alzheimer's Association.

Earl A. Zimmerman, MD
Dr. Zimmerman is a professor and chairman of the Department of Neurology. He received his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania and completed his residency training in neurology at the Neurological Institute of New York. He became professor of neurology at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City where he served on the faculty for l5 years. In 1985, he was named Chairman of the Department of Neurology, Professor of Cell Biology and Anatomy as well as Co-Director of the Center for Healthy Aging at the University of Oregon Health Sciences Center prior to coming to Albany in 2000. Dr. Zimmerman's research interests include Alzheimer's Disease and other neurological disorders of aging, neuroendocrinology, brain peptides and neural plasticity. He is an active member of several societies including the American Academy of Neurology, American Neurological Association, Society for Neuroscience and The Endocrine Society. Dr. Zimmerman has published over 120 scientific articles.

Thad Raushi, PhD
Dr. Raushi is the author of "A View From Within: Living With Early Onset Alzheimer's". This book reflects the author's inner thoughts and feelings about living a high quality life with this low quality disease called Alzheimer's. Thad also lives with an incurable cancer and recurring brain tumor. He writes about intimate trials and tears and serious questions, about personal high points in life with these diseases, and about joy and peace. The book moves beyond the adventure of surviving to the art of celebrating all of life as a gift to be lived well each day doing the best we can with what we have. The book may be purchased from the Alzheimer's Association Northeastern New York. You may order a copy one of three ways: write the Alzheimer's Association NENY, 85 Watervliet Avenue, Albany, NY 12206-2083; email lauren.desantis@alz.org at the Association; or telephone the office at either 438-2217 or long distance toll free at 800-303-2218. Cost is $14.95. All proceeds go to the Alzheimer's Association of Northeastern New York.