August 4, 2020 – Dr. Steven T. DeKosky, the Aerts-Cosper professor of Alzheimer’s research at the University of Florida College of Medicine, was one of five researchers presented with achievement awards at the annual Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) last Monday.
DeKosky, who is also the deputy director of UF’s McKnight Brain Institute and the associate director of the Florida Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, received the Henry Wisniewski Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his significant contributions to Alzheimer’s and dementia research. Other honorees included Dr. Christine Van Broeckhoven of the University of Antwerp, Dr. Francisco Lopera of the University of Antioquia, Dr. Guy McKhann of the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and Dr. Yakeel T. Quiroz of Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School.
“The five researchers recognized have all made invaluable contributions to the field of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia science,” said Maria C. Carrillo, Ph.D., chief science officer of the Alzheimer’s Association. “We are privileged to recognize them at this year’s AAIC, where we are learning of incredible advances in dementia research.”
Some of DeKosky’s contributions have included co-authoring the first reports of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in professional football players, as well as publishing numerous studies on traumatic brain injury. He was also principal investigator of the clinical trials investigating Pittsburgh Compound-B (PiB), the first amyloid imaging compound, and specializes in work focusing on understanding the neurochemistry, treatment and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 5 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease, including 580,000 Floridians. AAIC, the world’s largest gathering of Alzheimer’s and dementia researchers, is part of the Alzheimer’s Association’s research program and serves as a catalyst for generating new knowledge about dementia and fostering a vital, collegial research community.
DeKosky, along with the other award recipients, will be honored again next year at AAIC 2021.
About the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference® (AAIC®)
The Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) is the world’s largest gathering of researchers from around the world focused on Alzheimer’s and other dementias. As a part of the Alzheimer’s Association’s research program, AAIC serves as a catalyst for generating new knowledge about dementia and fostering a vital, collegial research community.
•AAIC 2020 home page: www.alz.org/aaic
•AAIC 2020 newsroom: www.alz.org/aaic/pressroom.asp
About the Alzheimer’s Association®
The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Visit alz.org or call +1 800.272.3900.
