Adults with mild Alzheimer's can drive as safely as others

A diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, at least in its mildest forms, does not necessarily mean that a person is more likely to have automobile accidents. School of Medicine investigators have found that most older adults with very mild or mild dementia have similar crash rates per mile compared with other older adults.

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DiPersio named chief of new oncology division

John F. DiPersio, M.D., Ph.D., has been named chief of the new Division of Oncology at the School of Medicine. The new division combines the previous divisions of medical and molecular oncology and bone marrow transplantation and stem cell biology.

The new division will have four sections: molecular oncology, stem cell biology, medical oncology, and bone marrow transplantation and leukemia.

Douglas C. Dean, Ph.D., professor of medicine and of cell biology and physiology, will direct the molecular oncology section. Timothy J. Ley, M.D., the Alan A. and Edith L. Wolff Professor of Medicine, will direct the stem cell biology section. DiPersio will direct the remaining two sections.

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MERIT status awarded to Schmidt for diabetes research

Robert E. Schmidt, M.D., Ph.D., professor of pathology, has been honored for his contributions to the understanding of diabetes by receiving MERIT (Method to Extend Research in Time) status for his latest grant.

The grant from the National Institutes of Health will provide more than $1.5 million during the initial five years of support. The funding enables Schmidt to continue studying diabetes-related nerve damage to the autonomic nervous system. This system regulates cardiac, gastrointestinal, urinary and sexual function.

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Retiree luncheon to be held April 15

On April 15, the Washington University School of Medicine Retirees Association will hold its 16th annual luncheon at Bevo Mill Restaurant, 4745 Gravois Ave., St. Louis. The cost of the luncheon is $13 per person. Guests will gather at 11:30 a.m., and lunch will be served at noon. All medical school staff retirees are welcome. For more information, call Mary Rogers at 867-2320.