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International Brain Aging Expert Offers New Interpretation of Alzheimer’s

Laurel Lake’s Keys To A Sharp Mind "Health Today" series welcomes Dr. Peter Whitehouse
and Daniel George, co-authors of The Myth Of Alzheimer's


February 23, 2008 – On Thursday, April 10 at 4:30 p.m. at Laurel Lake in Hudson, neurologist Peter J. Whitehouse, M.D., Ph.D. and his co-author, Daniel George, will present their ground-breaking, often controversial viewpoint of Alzheimer’s disease as set forth in the new book, The Myth of Alzheimer’s: What You Aren't Being Told About Today's Most Dreaded Disease. A book signing and reception will follow the presentation. Seating for this free program is limited and pre-registration is required; please call 330-678-9210 as soon as possible to reserve tickets.

This is the first in Laurel Lake’s new Keys to a Sharp Mind "Health Today" lecture series, highlighting renowned University scientists in seminars that are free and open to the general public. In this series, scientists will review the latest research findings in health and medicine, and discuss their impact on science and society. Keys to a Sharp Mind is a 3-year Laurel Lake educational study funded by a grant from the Reinberger Foundation, designed to promote cognitive fitness in older adults through the use of intellectually, socially stimulating lifestyle programs.

Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine professor of neurology, Peter Whitehouse, M.D., Ph.D., offers a fresh interpretation of the science and social implications of brain aging in his new book, The Myth of Alzheimer's: What You Aren't Being Told About Today's Most Dreaded Disease. In this provocative new book, Dr. Whitehouse questions current approaches to Alzheimer's disease (AD) diagnosis and treatment and brings a new understanding to everything we thought we knew about brain aging. Dr. Whitehouse and co-author Daniel George, M. Sc., published The Myth of Alzheimer's to expose what they believe to be the unsound clinical, political, and scientific framework of AD, and to improve quality of life for those facing aging associated memory losses and other cognitive challenges.

According to the founder of the University Memory and Aging Center at Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals Case Medical Center, "AD cannot be biologically or clinically differentiated from normal aging. There is no one profile of AD that is consistent from person to person," says Dr. Whitehouse. "Alzheimer's is a heterogeneous process because it reflects the different way people's brains age over their lifetimes."

The book claims AD represents our culture's attempt to make sense of a natural process of brain aging that we cannot control; all the biological hallmarks of AD are also the hallmarks of normal, albeit severe, forms of brain aging. "The promise of a panacea for one of our most dreaded 'diseases' is a powerful cultural myth," says Whitehouse, "and one purveyed by powerful pharmaceutical companies, advocacy organizations, and private researchers with much profit to gain."

The book contends that most scientists in the field of AD research believe a cure is unlikely and we need to invest our dollars more wisely by putting them toward prevention and care rather than predominantly in a cure.

Based on twenty-five years as a clinician and educator caring for persons with aging associated cognitive challenges, and on his experience as the co-founder (with his wife Catherine) of an internationally recognized and national award-winning intergenerational school affiliated with Case Western Reserve, Dr. Whitehouse shares his experiences and accumulated wisdom about aging well.

With a caring, yet scientifically grounded, message of prevention, Whitehouse and George explore measures to enhance the likelihood of successful cognitive aging, and present examples of how to maintain cognitive vitality and a sense of fulfillment and social contribution as we age. Deemed a "landmark book" by Harry Moody of the AARP, The Myth of Alzheimer's provides answers for when to see a doctor for memory loss, how to find the right medical team, and how to develop a collaborative relationship with your physician.

"The Myth of Alzheimer's" answers important questions such as:

• Is Alzheimer's actually a disease?
• What is the difference between a naturally aging brain and an Alzheimer's brain?
• How effective are the current drugs for AD? Are they worth the money we spend on them?
• What kind of hope does science really have for the treatment of memory loss? Are there alternative interventions that can keep our aging bodies and minds sharp?
• What promise does genetic research actually hold?
• What would a world without Alzheimer's look like and how do we as individuals and as human communities get there?

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Peter Whitehouse, M.D., Ph.D., one of the best-known Alzheimer's experts in the world, specializes in neurology with an interest in geriatrics and cognitive science. He is the founder of the University Alzheimer Center (now the University Memory and Aging Center) at Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals Case Medical Center. His most recent work includes ethics, integrative health care, and quality of life.

Danny George, M.Sc. works at the Memory and Aging Center in Cleveland, Ohio, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Medical Anthropology at Oxford University in England.

Laurel Lake Retirement Community is the smart choice for discerning adults who wish to continue leading active lives filled with a variety of interests, including work, travel, fitness, cultural and lifelong learning pursuits. This not-for-profit continuing care retirement community offers multiple home styles within a scenic 150-acre campus in historic Hudson, Ohio. Call 1-866-650-2100 or visit www.laurellake.org for information. Laurel Lake is part of the Catholic Healthcare Partners family of senior living communities and healthcare providers.