As one saying goes, “The mind is what the brain does,” meaning that when we think, remember, move, dream, feel, etc., our brain (and wider nervous system) has something to do with it. So, what happens when that vital body system starts to fall apart? Why is it that an otherwise healthy leg cannot move during paralysis? Why is it hard for a person diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease to remember what happened yesterday but to have no problem remembering grade school? Why do individuals with Ataxia or Parkinson’s shake, and why do the bodies of people with ALS slowly degenerate? During this lecture we will learn about some of the most life altering neurodegenerative disorders, what happens to the nervous system, and explore new therapeutics for these disorders.

Wesley Tierney is currently a PhD candidate in Neuroscience at Arizona State University. He studies the mechanisms of Herpes Simplex Virus infection of neurons. He has worked in various research labs for seven years ranging from social psychology, entomology, regenerative medicine, virology, and neuroscience.

Fifty and Better was designed to offer university-level courses and lectures (no tests, no homework) taught by experts in the field, and to host social engagement activities for individuals age 50 and older.