SIUE’s Arts & Issues Presents Dr. John Walker and his Discussion on “Solving Alzheimer’s”
Can Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia be determined early? Can they be cured with a “multivariable” approach? Southern Illinois University Edwardsville alumnus John Q. Walker, PhD, examines these things and more during the Arts & Issues’ presentation of “Solving Alzheimer’s” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 12 in Morris University Center’s Meridian Ballroom.
According to Walker, chief technology officer (CTO) and founder of uMETHOD Health in North Carolina, millions of people have symptoms of cognitive impairment, and test results can show their progression to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. There are often dozens of factors that contribute to any person’s cognitive decline – including genetics, blood chemistry, medications, medical history, diet and lifestyle. He further reports that these vary widely from person to person, and when addressed together, the progression of symptoms can be avoided, slowed or even rolled back.
Walker, who received both bachelor’s and master’s in math studies from SIUE in 1976 and ‘78, respectively, will present pioneering work in this “multivariable” approach, bringing mathematics, statistics, artificial intelligence and bioinformatics to a medical topic that has failed to yield to a “one disease, one drug approach.”
“John Q. Walker has had an amazing career and was inducted into the SIUE Alumni Hall of Fame in 2010,” said Grant Andree, Arts & Issues director. “He now brings his considerable talents to the terrible scourge of Alzheimer’s by working with experts in a variety of fields to address the disease in a new, groundbreaking way. We’re excited to inaugurate the first Ann and Earl Lazerson Lecture with such an accomplished alumnus as speaker.”
For more information and tickets visit artsandissues.com. Tickets can also be purchased by phone at (866) 698-4253 or at the Morris University Welcome Desk.
Arts & Issues is tied to the academic mission of the University. For more than 34 years, the series has presented some of the world’s finest performing artists and showcased speakers from across the spectrum in areas such as science, history, literature and politics. The program also offers unique opportunities for students, faculty, staff and the community to engage with these performers and speakers through master classes and special sessions.
Central to SIUE’s exceptional and comprehensive education, the College of Arts and Sciences offers degree programs in the natural sciences, humanities, arts, social sciences, and communications. The College touches the lives of all SIUE students helping them explore diverse ideas and experiences, while learning to think and live as fulfilled, productive members of the global community. Study abroad, service-learning, internships, and other experiential learning opportunities better prepare SIUE students not only to succeed in our region's workplaces, but also to become valuable leaders who make important contributions to our communities.
Photo: John Q. Walker, PhD, SIUE alumnus and 2010 Alumni Hall of Fame inductee.
