Markesbery Receives Award for Alzheimer's Disease Research
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LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 13, 2009) − Dr. William R. Markesbery received the Zaven
Khachuturian Award from the Alzheimer's Association during
its 2009 International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease (ICAD 2009) in Vienna, Austria.
Markesbery is the Commonwealth Chair in Aging and professor of pathology and neurology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, and
director of the UK Sanders-Brown Center on Aging and
Alzheimer's Disease Center.
The award, named in honor of Zaven Khachaturian, consultant, lecturer and author, recognizes an individual whose compelling vision, selfless dedication and extraordinary achievement has significantly advanced the field of Alzheimer science.
Markesbery has been a leader in uncovering the step by step development of Alzheimer’s and the chain of events that leads to the disease. His research also includes studies of free radicals and other oxidative damage in Alzheimer's, and the various changes that happen in the brain in normal aging, mild cognitive impairment, and Alzheimer's.
"I am deeply honored to be the recipient of the Alzheimer’s Association Zaven Khachaturian Award for advancing the field of Alzheimer’s disease," said Markesbery. "Nothing is quite as rewarding as the recognition of one’s peers. I am grateful to have the opportunity to take part in the investigation of the most devastating disease that affects humanity. It has been a privilege to care for individuals with the disease, support the families and through research, strive to gain a better understanding of Alzheimer’s disease so that one day soon, we will learn how to prevent the disease in those at risk and stop the progression of those with the disease."
During the conference, the Alzheimer’s Association recognized four scientists for their extraordinary achievements in advancing Alzheimer’s. Two top papers on neuroimaging were also recognized.
“We are beginning to reap the benefits of Alzheimer’s scientific advancements made in the last two decades, including a robust pipeline of anti-dementia drug therapies and advances in early detection,” said William Thies, chief medical and scientific officer at the Alzheimer’s Association. “The contributions of these leading researchers will help us defeat Alzheimer’s, solve the health epidemic of the 21st century, and save future generations from this progressive and fatal disease.”
Dr. Henry Wisniewski, Khalid Iqbal and Dr. Bengt Winblad were the founders of ICAD in 1988. Lifetime Achievement Awards named in their honor are given to three outstanding scientists who have dedicated their careers to helping millions around the world through their research.
The award, named in honor of Zaven Khachaturian, consultant, lecturer and author, recognizes an individual whose compelling vision, selfless dedication and extraordinary achievement has significantly advanced the field of Alzheimer science.
Markesbery has been a leader in uncovering the step by step development of Alzheimer’s and the chain of events that leads to the disease. His research also includes studies of free radicals and other oxidative damage in Alzheimer's, and the various changes that happen in the brain in normal aging, mild cognitive impairment, and Alzheimer's.
"I am deeply honored to be the recipient of the Alzheimer’s Association Zaven Khachaturian Award for advancing the field of Alzheimer’s disease," said Markesbery. "Nothing is quite as rewarding as the recognition of one’s peers. I am grateful to have the opportunity to take part in the investigation of the most devastating disease that affects humanity. It has been a privilege to care for individuals with the disease, support the families and through research, strive to gain a better understanding of Alzheimer’s disease so that one day soon, we will learn how to prevent the disease in those at risk and stop the progression of those with the disease."
During the conference, the Alzheimer’s Association recognized four scientists for their extraordinary achievements in advancing Alzheimer’s. Two top papers on neuroimaging were also recognized.
“We are beginning to reap the benefits of Alzheimer’s scientific advancements made in the last two decades, including a robust pipeline of anti-dementia drug therapies and advances in early detection,” said William Thies, chief medical and scientific officer at the Alzheimer’s Association. “The contributions of these leading researchers will help us defeat Alzheimer’s, solve the health epidemic of the 21st century, and save future generations from this progressive and fatal disease.”
Dr. Henry Wisniewski, Khalid Iqbal and Dr. Bengt Winblad were the founders of ICAD in 1988. Lifetime Achievement Awards named in their honor are given to three outstanding scientists who have dedicated their careers to helping millions around the world through their research.