Ep. 468 The Alzheimer’s Research Crisis with Charles Piller
Today, I am thrilled to connect with Charles Piller, an award-winning investigative journalist for Science magazine whose work has also appeared in The Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, The Sacramento Bee, and other major publications. Charles is the author of Doctored, and he has been honored with several national journalism awards.
In our fascinating conversation, we dive into the trajectory of Alzheimer’s from its early framing as a diagnosis to its modern-day research landscape. We explore the concept of publish or perish within academic research, and we examine the dominant amyloid hypothesis, the forces shaping scientific narratives, and the role of institutions like the FDA, NIH, and research publishing in influencing research priorities. Charles shares his insights on the impact of falsified data and the broader implications for scientific integrity of the doctored images published in Nature in 2006. We also tackle the importance of lifestyle and risk factor modification in preventing neurocognitive decline.
You will not want to miss this compelling conversation with Charles Piller. His book is a gripping must-read on the fraud, arrogance, and tragedy in the quest to cure Alzheimer’s.
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:
How Alzheimer’s impacts our society and affects the caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s
Charles gives a historical overview of Alzheimer's
Some typical symptoms of Alzheimer's
How the amyloid cascade hypothesis led to the development of drugs that removed amyloid from the brain but failed to halt or reverse dementia
How doctored images can support experimental hypotheses and influence research
Charles highlights the need for more accountability within the scientific field.
How pressure to publish and perverse incentives have influenced Alzheimer’s research
Why ethical concerns matter when developing potentially hazardous drugs with limited benefits
Charles shares the potential benefits of GLP-1s for cognitive decline.
Why a multi-factorial approach to understanding and treating Alzheimer's is essential
Charles highlights the importance of self-criticism and humility within the scientific community.
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