Russell H. Swerdlow

Russell H. Swerdlow, MD, is a Professor at the University of Kansas School of Medicine, holding joint appointments in Neurology, Cell Biology and Physiology, and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. He directs the Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Neurodegenerative Disorders Program, and Heartland Center for Mitochondrial Medicine. His clinical expertise spans cognitive disorders, memory complaints, and neurodegenerative diseases.

• Undergraduate: BA in Psychobiology, New York University
• Medical Degree: New York University Langone Health
• Residency: Neurology, University of Virginia Health System
• Fellowships: Geriatric Neuropsychiatry (University of Virginia/Western State Hospital) and Neurodegenerative Diseases (University of Virginia)

Dr. Swerdlow's research focuses on brain bioenergetics, particularly mitochondrial dysfunction in aging and neurodegenerative diseases. His work includes the Mitochondrial Cascade Hypothesis of Alzheimer's disease, exploring how mitochondrial changes contribute to pathology and how these can be therapeutically manipulated. His recent studies examine genetic, metabolic, and lifestyle factors influencing Alzheimer's risk and progression.

Key research trends include mitochondrial genetics, tau pathology, brain glucose metabolism, and lifestyle interventions. He has pioneered investigations into O-GlcNAc regulation, mitophagy, and exercise as a modulator of neurodegeneration.

• S. Weir Mitchell Award, American Academy of Neurology
• Cotzias Award, American Parkinson’s Disease Association
• Chancellor’s Club Research Award, University of Kansas
• Dolph Simons Research Achievement Award, University of Kansas
• Oskar Fischer Prize

As a principal investigator, he has secured over $30 million in NIH grants, advancing translational and clinical research. He chairs advisory committees for biomedical foundations and serves on editorial boards of neuroscience journals. His leadership roles include past membership on the NIA Board of Scientific Counselors and chairing the Commonwealth of Virginia's Alzheimer's Disease Commission. He also directs innovative clinical programs like the MyAlliance for Brain Health initiative for dementia research recruitment.