UI Aging Programs - Aging Studies Program - Division of Interdisciplinary Programs - College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

Alzheimer's Disease Research Center

Alzheimer's Disease Clinic

New patients referred to the Alzheimer's Disease Clinic are first seen in the Neurology Outpatient Clinic. For patients who require further assessment, the Alzheimer's Disease Clinic provides a comprehensive evaluation, including standard laboratory tests, radiological studies, neuropsychological assessment, special gerontological nursing support, speech pathology, and psychiatric and medical consultations.

The clinic provides evaluation, diagnosis, treatment and continuing care of patients with mental decline caused by neurological conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Pick's disease, and dementia's due to stroke, tumor, or head injury.

Alzheimer's Disease Research Center

The Alzheimer's Disease Research Center conducts research in the biological mechanisms that lead to Alzheimer's disease. Our program of research on Alzheimer's disease at the Department of Neurology focuses on the (a) development of new diagnostic procedures, (b) study of neuroanatomical aspects of the disease using both brain tissue collected at autopsy and neuroimaging methods in vivo, and (c) trial of potentially useful new drugs. The purpose is to improve the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions and to contribute to a better understanding of the neural basis of cognition.

The Alzheimer's Disease Center is supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health; Scottish Rite Charitable and Educational Foundation of Iowa; Kiwanis International (Illinois-Eastern Iowa District) and Spastic Paralysis Research Foundation; and the Fraternal Order of Eagles.

Benton Neuropsychology Laboratory

Several neuropsychological tests and experimental procedures which now enjoy widespread utilization, have been developed here. Standardized instruments for the analysis of all forms of disordered higher behavior and cognition are available and are routinely used in the unit. These procedures are carried out in a designated area adjoining the Neurology Outpatient Clinic and Inpatient Service. An integrated computer system for neuropsychological data management is in place.

Neuroimaging Laboratory

The Neuroimaging Laboratory was developed with the new brain imaging technologies of the 1970's, and in cooperation with the Department of Radiology and more recently with the Image Analysis Facility, it has implemented methods for analyzing CT and MR images and mapping lesions to areas of interest and vascular territories.

Experimental Neuroanatomy Laboratories

The Experimental Neuroanatomy unit is concerned with studies in non-human primates and in human postmortem tissue. A long-standing practice of this unit is the application of new knowledge from connectional neuroanatomy (especially regarding patterns of feedforward and feedback cortico-cortical connections) to the understanding of human cortical disorders caused by degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's Disease.

Contact: Antonio R. Damasio, M.D., Department of Neurology, Division of Behavioral Neurology and Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA 52242 (319-356-2571)

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Center on Aging

The University of Iowa Center on Aging was established in 1990. The goals of the Center are to integrate and enhance interdisciplinary research, education, and service efforts that are dedicated to understanding the aging process and addressing the needs of the elderly. Kathleen Buckwalter, R.N., Ph.D; Donald D. Heistad, M.D., Co-Directors; and a multidisciplinary executive committee plan and coordinate the Center's activities.

Contact: Lori Benz, Program Associate, University of Iowa Center on Aging, 2159 Westlawn, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, (319) 335-6546, e-mail: lori-benz@uiowa.edu. For more complete information, visit the Center on Aging website: http://www.uiowa.edu/~centrage.

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Interdisciplinary Research Training Program in Aging

A research training grant from the National Institute of Aging was awarded to the Center on Aging and provides support for pre-and post-doctoral trainees. The funds support multidisciplinary research and training activities and are intended to prepare fellows for academic careers in geriatrics and gerontology, and to provide support for health care trainees to pursue research interests in aging.

Pre-doctoral trainees are medical or dental students, or candidates for a Doctoral degree in pharmacology, physiology, nursing, psychology, or other appropriate discipline. Post-doctoral trainees have an M.D., D.D.S., or a Doctoral degree.

The research training program is structured in four cores: degenerative neurological disease and stroke, social and psychological aspects of aging, cardiovascular and pulmonary disease in aging, and biology of aging and tissue injury.

Stipends are based on NIH guidelines. Pre-doctoral trainees seeking a Doctorate must be enrolled at the University of Iowa and may be supported for up to five years while conducting research and taking coursework. Preference is given to applicants who have completed coursework and their comprehensive exams. M.D. and D.D.S. candidates engage in full-time research for one year prior to graduation. Post-doctoral trainees may receive up to three years of support for research activities and optional coursework. Funds for tuition and professional travel are provided.

Drs. Donald Heistad (P.I.) and Kathleen Buckwalter are the program directors. For complete details, contact: Lori Benz, Program Associate, University of Iowa Center on Aging, 2159 Westlawn, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, (319) 335-6546

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Iowa Elderhostel

The Elderhostel State Office is located within the Division of Continuing Education. The State Director coordinates the programming in Iowa at thirty other cooperating colleges and universities. Elderhostel is a short term non-credit academic program designed for persons age 55 and older. It is a part of an international network of over 1800 sites. Each institution designs programs which feature some of its best known fields of study. Participants gather from all over the country because of a specific course of study.

The Elderhostel programs held on The University of Iowa campus are also directed by Peggy Houston from the Division of Continuing Education. Participants stay in the local residence halls and are integrated into many of the campus activities. Over the past 20 years of programming there have been many departments and courses offered. Recently the focus has been mostly on creative writing with several sessions held each summer on poetry, short fiction, memoirs, novels and essay.

Contact: Peggy Houston, M.A., Division of Continuing Education, 116 International Center, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242 (319-335-2533).

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