Dr. Gary Small

Dr. Gary Small. He is an American psychiatrist and geriatrician renowned for his pioneering research on aging, brain health, and the early detection of Alzheimer's disease. A professor at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, he has authored numerous bestselling books and is a frequent commentator in the mass media on topics related to neuroscience and cognitive function.

Early life and education

Born in Los Angeles, he demonstrated an early interest in the humanities and sciences. He pursued his undergraduate education at the UC Berkeley, where he studied psychology and biology. He then earned his medical degree from the University of Southern California before completing a residency in psychiatry at Harvard University's Massachusetts General Hospital. His fellowship in geriatric psychiatry was conducted at the National Institute of Mental Health, solidifying his focus on the aging brain.

Career and research

Appointed as a professor at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, he also serves as director of the UCLA Longevity Center. His research has utilized advanced neuroimaging techniques like positron emission tomography to study mild cognitive impairment and the early pathology of Alzheimer's disease. A major contribution includes developing the first brain scan to detect plaques and tangles in living patients, work often conducted in collaboration with the UCLA Alzheimer's Disease Research Center. He has also extensively studied the impact of lifestyle factors, such as diet and mental exercise, on cognitive decline, influencing programs at institutions like the Cleveland Clinic and the Mayo Clinic.

Publications and media appearances

He is the author of several popular science books, including *The Memory Bible* and *iBrain*, which explore strategies for enhancing memory and adapting to the digital age. His work has been featured in major publications like *The New York Times*, *TIME*, and *The Wall Street Journal*. He is a frequent guest on television networks such as CNN, NBC, and CBS, discussing breakthroughs from the Society for Neuroscience and providing commentary on national health initiatives. His articles have also appeared in academic journals including *The American Journal of Psychiatry* and *JAMA*.

Awards and honors

His research and contributions to public understanding of science have been recognized with numerous awards. He has received the Senior Investigator Award from the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry and the Weinberg Award for excellence in geriatric psychiatry. His work has been supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health and the Alzheimer's Association. He has been listed among the world's top biomedical researchers by *Scientific American* and has delivered keynote addresses at international conferences like the World Congress of Psychiatry.

Personal life

He maintains a residence in Los Angeles and is actively involved in community outreach related to brain health education. He has participated in events for organizations such as the American Heart Association, linking cardiovascular health to cognitive function. His interests include photography and travel, often integrating these pursuits with his professional lectures on global health trends.

Category:American psychiatrists Category:University of California, Los Angeles faculty Category:Alzheimer's disease researchers