Clinical Research Training Fellowship in Alzheimer's Research Awarded to Boston Researcher

Newswise — The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Foundation and the Alzheimer's Association awarded the 2009 Robert Katzman, MD, Clinical Research Training Fellowship to Joshua Shulman, MD, PhD, a senior neurology resident at the Brigham and Women's Hospital and the Massachusetts General Hospital, for his work investigating genes that influence risk for Alzheimer's disease. The two-year, $130,000 fellowship will be formally presented during the American Academy of Neurology's 61st Annual Meeting in Seattle, held April 25 through May 2, 2009.

The Robert Katzman, MD, Clinical Research Training Fellowship is designed to encourage Alzheimer's disease clinical research with the goal of providing better treatment, prevention or cure of the disease.

Shulman's research is designed to identify genes that influence risk for Alzheimer's disease. "Common genetic variation influences susceptibility to Alzheimer's disease and age-related cognitive decline," said Shulman. "This research may facilitate early diagnosis and highlight new targets for future therapies."

"I am honored and deeply grateful to the AAN Foundation and the Alzheimer's Association for supporting my further research training and career development in this important field of neurology," said Shulman.

The fellowship includes tuition reimbursement for education in clinical research methodology.

The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's. For more information, visit www.alz.org.

The American Academy of Neurology, an association of more than 21,000 neurologists and neuroscience professionals, is dedicated to promoting the highest quality patient-centered neurologic care. A neurologist is a doctor with specialized training in diagnosing, treating and managing disorders of the brain and nervous system such as multiple sclerosis, restless legs syndrome, Alzheimer's disease, narcolepsy, and stroke.

For more information about the American Academy of Neurology Foundation, visit www.aan.com/foundation.