By Megumi Barclay
Oscar Lopez, professor of neurology, of psychiatry, School of Medicine, and of clinical and translational science has been elected to the Alzheimer’s Association Board of Directors. This appointment, concurrent with his role as chair of the Medical and Scientific Group of the Alzheimer’s Association, solidifies Lopez as a national and international leader in Alzheimer’s disease research and patient care.
Lopez is the Levidow-Pittsburgh Foundation Professor of Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Disorders, chief of the cognitive and behavioral neurology division in the Department of Neurology, and director of Pitt’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC). He is also the founder of the Brain Training and Exercise (BRiTE) Wellness Program, a nonpharmacological initiative that promotes brain health through integrated cognitive, physical and social activities for individuals in the greater Pittsburgh area.
Lopez’s work includes large-scale studies refining the clinical criteria for Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). He coauthored the 2017 American Academy of Neurology Practice Guidelines for MCI and has made strides in identifying factors that influence the progression of normal cognition to dementia. He has authored or coauthored more than 500 peer-reviewed articles and currently oversees or contributes to 15 National Institutes of Health-funded studies.
Lopez’s new role on the Alzheimer’s Association board comes at a pivotal time for the field. Recent advancements, such as disease-modifying treatments that remove pathological components of Alzheimer’s from the brain and the development of blood biomarkers for early diagnosis, are revolutionizing care. Thomas Karikari, assistant professor of psychiatry, School of Medicine, is at the forefront of these innovations, he says. Lopez anticipates that these advances will expand diagnostic capabilities, especially in regions distant from major medical centers.
Locally, Lopez’s appointment highlights the unique challenges faced by Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania, where a high proportion of elderly residents increases the prevalence of Alzheimer’s and related dementias.
“There is a shortage of professional caregivers, not only in our area but also at the national level. They are an essential component in the management of dementia patients,” says Lopez.
Lopez credits his exceptional colleagues with enabling him to balance his extensive responsibilities. “I’m very fortunate to have an excellent team that allows me to be involved in many scientific endeavors,” he said.