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." 

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."