Dr. Ronald Petersen is a distinguished neuroscientist and internationally recognized authority in Alzheimer's disease research who currently serves as the Director of the Mayo Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging. He holds the position of Professor at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and previously was named the Cora Kanow Professor of Alzheimer's Disease Research in 2000. Dr. Petersen received his Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology from the University of Minnesota and graduated from Mayo Medical School in 1980, establishing a robust foundation for his pioneering work in cognitive neuroscience. He joined the staff of the Mayo Clinic in 1986 and was honored as a Mayo Clinic Distinguished Investigator in 2011 for his exceptional contributions to medical science.
With an extensive publication record exceeding 550 peer-reviewed articles and five edited books on memory disorders, aging, and Alzheimer's disease, Dr. Petersen has significantly advanced the scientific understanding of cognitive decline and dementia. His research program has pioneered the establishment of criteria for earliest detection of individuals at risk for developing Alzheimer's disease, fundamentally changing clinical approaches to early intervention. Working closely with neuroimaging experts, he has developed innovative protocols for MRI and PET scanning that enable detection of molecular features in the brains of individuals destined to develop Alzheimer's disease before symptom onset. Dr. Petersen's work bridges basic science discoveries with clinical applications, including the development of blood tests that may predict future Alzheimer's risk and the exploration of novel therapeutic approaches to prevent or delay disease onset.
Dr. Petersen's leadership extends to national and international policy, having been appointed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services in 2011 to chair the Advisory Committee on Research, Care, and Services for the National Alzheimer's Project Act. He was further recognized with appointment to the World Dementia Council in 2014 by UK Prime Minister David Cameron, demonstrating his global influence in shaping dementia research and care strategies. His current research continues to focus on translational approaches that bring laboratory findings to individual patients, with particular emphasis on mild cognitive impairment as a critical stage for potential intervention. As an active mentor and educator, Dr. Petersen remains at the forefront of advancing Alzheimer's research while training the next generation of neuroscientists to continue this vital work in addressing one of the most pressing health challenges of our aging population.
