SUMMARY
Ronald C. Petersen, M.D., Ph.D., investigates cognition in normal aging, mild cognitive impairment and dementia. Dr. Petersen and his colleagues evaluate cognitive changes in normal aging and in a variety of conditions involving cognitive impairment, such as Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal lobar degeneration and Lewy body dementia.
Dr. Petersen was director of the Mayo Clinic Alzheimer's Disease Research Center from 2009 to 2025. He leads the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging. Both focus on studying and characterizing aging patients over time, with an emphasis on neuroimaging and biomarkers.
Focus areas
- Cognitive function in aging.
- Disease course in normal aging, mild cognitive impairment and dementia.
- Biomarkers of disease processes, including those found with neuroimaging and in cerebrospinal fluid.
- Cognitive and biomarker signals of early cognitive impairment.
- Development of therapies for cognitive impairment.
Significance to patient care
Issues with early thinking and memory changes, including dementia, are major causes of illness during the aging process. These conditions are becoming more common, making it important to find them early. The goal is to find treatments that can begin at the earliest signs of cognitive challenges.
Professional highlights
- Mayo Clinic:
- Cora Kanow Professor of Alzheimer's Disease Research, 2000-present.
- Chester and Debbie Cadieux Director, Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, 2009-2025.
- Director, Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, 1992-2025.
- Distinguished Investigator Award, 2011.
- Member, World Dementia Council, 2014-2017.
- Chair, Advisory Council on Alzheimer's Research, Care, and Services, National Alzheimer's Project Act, 2011-2017.
- Alzheimer's Association:
- Member, Board of directors, 2008-2017.
- Henry Wisniewski Lifetime Achievement Award, 2013.
- Zaven Khachaturian Award, 2012.
- Chair, Medical and Scientific Advisory Council, 2008-2011.
- National Institute on Aging:
- Member, National Advisory Council on Aging, 2010-2013.
- Board of Scientific Counselors, 2003-2008.
- Potamkin Prize for Research in Pick's, Alzheimer's, and Related Diseases, American Academy of Neurology, 2005.
- MetLife Foundation Award for Medical Research in Alzheimer's Disease, American Federation for Aging Research, 2004.