Barry W. Rovner

Barry W. Rovner is a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry & Neurology at Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, based at the Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His clinical and research work focuses on two major age-related conditions: Alzheimer's Disease and Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD).

Dr. Rovner's Alzheimer's research centers on disease-modifying treatments targeting amyloid pathology, including secretase inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies to reduce production or enhance clearance of toxic amyloid fragments. For AMD—the leading cause of blindness in the U.S. affecting 10 million people—he develops behavioral interventions to prevent depression by increasing self-efficacy and promoting active problem-solving in older adults with vision loss. His work addresses the critical public health challenge of managing comorbid chronic conditions in aging populations.

He leads the Inspiring Undergraduate Student Training in Alzheimer's Research (USTAR) program, which trains future scientists in aging research. This initiative reflects his commitment to mentoring and expanding the pipeline of researchers in neurodegenerative diseases.

Dr. Rovner conducts his research through the Farber Institute's Alzheimer's Disease Center for Research and Care, leveraging its large patient population for clinical trials and intervention studies. His lab focuses on translating findings into practical strategies for improving functional outcomes in vulnerable elderly cohorts.