UCSF Neuroscientist Named President of AES

Newswise — The American Epilepsy Society (AES) announces Daniel H. Lowenstein, M.D., as the Society's President for 2004. Dr. Lowenstein is a professor and vice chairman in the Department of Neurology at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). He is also director of the UCSF Epilepsy Center and director of Physician-Scientist and Education Training Programs for the UCSF School of Medicine.

"Dan Lowenstein is considered one of the modern pioneers of the damaging effects of status epilepticus and has championed early and decisive treatment for the affliction," says M. Suzanne C. Berry, MBA, CAE, Executive Director of AES. "His commitment to furthering the causes of AES is only surpassed by his dedication to finding a cure for epilepsy."

A clinician-scientist who studies both basic-science and clinical aspects of epilepsy, his laboratory studies concern the fundamental mechanisms of neuronal network remodeling that occur during epileptogenesis; i.e. the process in which a normal network transforms into a hyperexcitable network capable of producing or relaying seizure activity. His main efforts have focused on the various forms of cellular reorganization that are observed in humans with temporal lobe epilepsy, and the parallels between reorganization in the adult nervous system and normal developmental processes.

"It's a tremendous honor and privilege to have the responsibility of the AES presidency," says Dr. Lowenstein. "I look forward to doing everything I can to help us fulfill our goals as a group devoted to the eradication of epilepsy."

Recent discoveries by his research group include the finding that seizure activity in an adult model of temporal lobe epilepsy causes a marked increase in the birth of hippocampal neurons, and that some of these neurons contribute to axonal reorganization. Combined with other findings showing that molecules responsible for normal development are expressed in this same brain region in the adult, these studies bear not only on the neurobiology of epilepsy, but also on the broader issue of neurodevelopment and the capacity for regeneration in the adult nervous system after injury.

About AES: The American Epilepsy Society (AES) is one of the oldest neurological professional organizations in the nation, with roots dating to 1898. The Society promotes research and education for professionals dedicated to the prevention, treatment and cure of Epilepsy. Membership in the Society is made up of clinicians, researchers investigating basic and clinical aspects of epilepsy, and other health-care professionals interested in seizure disorders. Members represent pediatric and adult sides of epilepsy.

The Society is based in West Hartford, CT and holds an annual scientific meeting, offering symposia, lectures, poster presentations and exhibitions. The meeting attracts more than 3,500 professionals from throughout the U.S. and abroad and offers excellent opportunities for networking and sharing of ideas.