Peter Lichtenberg, Ph.D., director of Wayne State University's Institute of Gerontology, is guest editor of the spring issue of Generations, a once-a-decade update on Alzheimer's and other dementias. This special issue of the Journal of the American Society on Aging (JASA) compiles the research of dozens of dementia experts in areas such as public health, caregiving, policy, early diagnosis, and end of life decisions. According to JASA editor Mary Johnson, Generations chose Dr. Lichtenberg because he is the "perfect guide," a "compassionate clinician, researcher, and advocate nationally recognized for his work related to late-life dementia."

Peter Lichtenberg

Dr. Lichtenberg embraced the challenge of editing Generations: Update on Dementia, as an opportunity to present a balanced biopsychosocial approach to dementia that encourages meaningful and caring relationships with patients and their families. Because this topic is covered only once every 10 years, it can take a broader view of the critical trends in dementia diagnosis and care. "Our goal for this issue is to make information about Alzheimer's and related dementias accessible and useful to policy planners, practitioners and researchers," Dr. Lichtenberg said. "The scholars whose work appears in this issue are of the highest caliber. Generations is a must-read for anyone working with older adults."

In August, Dr. Lichtenberg was named president of the American Psychological Association' (APA) Division 20 (Adult Development and Aging), a nationally respected source of research on aging and an advocate for the importance of psychology in understanding aging. He has chaired the APA's Committee on Aging, served on the APA Presidential Task Force on Integrated Care for an Aging Population, and chaired a section of the Gerontological Society of America. His recent awards include the Alzheimer's Advocate Award from the Michigan State Council for Alzheimer's Disease, a special state tribute for his work with the Michigan Dementia Coalition, and the University of Michigan DeVito Memorial Award for excellence in geriatrics service and education.

Information on Generations (Spring 2009, vol. 33/1) is available at www.generationsjournal.org