8.9.18 – David G. Morgan. Ph.D.

Topic Summary:

Recent advances in understanding the causes of Alzheimer’s are leading scientists to recognize the disease begins 10-20 years before onset of symptoms.  Using biomarkers to determine who is at risk and mitigating those risks will prevent the disease for many. Finding effective treatment is also advancing quickly. The first person cured of Alzheimer’s will be in a clinical trial. Unfortunately, Grand Rapids has no clinical trials for Alzheimer’s disease. A vision for how to develop a Center for Aging Brain C.A.R.E. (ABC center) can rectify this situation.

Dr. Morgan – Bio

Since November 2017 “Dave” Morgan is Director of the Alzheimer’s Alliance and Global Impact Professor of Translational Sciences at Michigan State University. Previously he was CEO of the Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute at the University of South Florida.  The Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute combined patient and family services, clinical research, education outreach programs and laboratory science seeking the prevention, treatment and cure of Alzheimer’s and related disorders. While there Dr Morgan oversaw development of Community-Based Memory Screening programs and the country’s first mobile clinical trial unit for Alzheimer’s disease.  Dr. Morgan’s research interests are Alzheimer’s disease, aging and brain function. He is internationally recognized for his work on immunotherapy and gene therapy to treat the Alzheimer-related pathologies.

Morgan received his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Northwestern University and spent 10 years at the University of Southern California before joining the University of South Florida in 1992. He has participated in over 80 grant-years of NIH funded research and published over 200 research articles. Morgan regularly sits on grant review panels for NIH and other agencies. In addition to his research activities, Morgan has consulted with both major pharmaceutical companies and small biotechnology, and advised capital investment organizations regarding the most promising therapeutic approaches to curing Alzheimer’s disease. At the national level, Morgan serves as Chairperson of the Program Committee for the world’s largest scientific meeting on Alzheimer’s disease (AAIC) and as Lead Representative of ResearchersAgainstAlzheimer’s, a national advocacy organization.