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Doctor Who Spawned Use it or lose it Wins
Geriatrics Society's Award
Dr. Joe Verghese found using the mind could reduce
risk of dementia
 May
13, 2005 The man who gave new meaning to the expression use it or
lose it, Joe Verghese, MD., was named today as the winner of the
American Geriatrics Societys Outstanding Scientific Achievement for
Clinical Investigation Award. He introduced evidence that intellectually
challenging activities can reduce the risk of dementia by as much as 70
per cent.
The award goes to a clinician whose research
translates into improvements in the care of older adults.
An assistant professor of neurology at Albert
Einstein College of Medicine in New York City, Dr. Verghese is the lead
author of nearly 20 publications concerning illness and aging and their
effects on cognition and mobility. He is the Clinical Director of the
Einstein Aging Study, a National Institutes of Health-funded
longitudinal study.
"Dementia is becoming increasingly prevalent as the
population ages, and research such as Dr. Verghese's is absolutely
critical," said Dr. David Reuben, President of the American Geriatrics
Society, who presented the award.
Dr. Verghese also challenged the theory that low
blood pressure in the elderly was the result of dementia. His findings
were that low blood pressure actually contributed to the dementia.
In individuals with persistently low blood pressure, there was
increased risk for dementia developing, he said in that report. And
those participants whose blood pressure was lowered through treatment
for high blood pressure also demonstrated an increased risk for
dementia.
Another of his studies that attracted wide
attention said
that abnormal walking in the elderly proved to be a predictor of
non-Alzheimer's dementia.
Source: Founded in 1942, the American Geriatrics
Society is a nationwide, not-for-profit association of geriatrics health
care professionals dedicated to improving the health, independence and
quality of life of all older people. The Society supports this mission
through activities in clinical practice, professional and public
education, research and public policy. With an active membership of over
6,700 health care professionals, the Society has become a pivotal force
in shaping attitudes, policies and practices in geriatric medicine.
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