A clinician, investigator, educator on Alzheimer's disease Ron Petersen is currently conducting a multidisciplinary study of various aspects of aging, mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. The research is designed to develop models for predicting a subsequent cognitive impairment in normal elderly persons, potentially to guide early treatment. Dr. Petersen was Ronald Reagan's personal physician and treated the former President's Alzheimer's. Dr. Petersen is one of the recipients of the 2004 MetLife Award for Medical Research in Alzheimer's Disease and the 2005 Potamkin Prize for Research in Picks, Alzheimer's, and Related Disorders of the American Academy of Neurology.

SELF-EXAM

Occupation: Neurologist, clinical research scientist.

Alternative career choice: Teacher.

I tend to approach life with a sense of: Anticipation and hope for the future.

My mentor is/was: There were many—Marsel Mesulam, Emre Kokmen, Bahram Mokri, Len Kurland...

Biggest misconceptions about me or my work: That we have all the answers.

Worst part-time job ever: Census information gathering, door-to-door.

Longest med school study session: The entire four years—I was a slow learner.

Best moment in medicine/research: Diagnosing and curing a patient with a cognitive disorder.

Worst moment in medicine/research: Being unable to cure Alzheimer's disease.

The title of the story of my life will be: He tried.

Musical instrument I play: Radio.

I lent my time to the "Rock Stars of Science" campaign because: I was hoping to be able to inject enthusiasm into young people to pursue a career in research.

The hardest part about being a "Rock Star of Science" is: My personal appearance.