hi all

i think this belongs under the heading
'money can't buy me love'

janet

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Organization: University of Saskatchewan Communications
Email: [log in to unmask]
Released: May 23, 2002

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -
Thursday, May 23, 2002
2002-05-25-OTHER

Parkinson's Investigator To Receive Distinguished Researcher Award

A University of Saskatchewan neurologist -- one of the world's foremost
investigators of Parkinson's disease -- will receive the Distinguished
Researcher Award at the May 30th convocation ceremony.

The award carries a $1,000 prize and recognizes a U of S faculty member who
has made a major contribution to knowledge through research and publication.

"Prof. Ali Rajput's work in Parkinson's disease has been recognized by
national and international bodies and has led to some new standards of
practice in neurology," said Michael Corcoran, U of S Vice-President Research.

Dr. Rajput has done substantial research on levodopa, the first effective
long-term treatment for Parkinson's disease. He was the first to discover
that the drug prolongs life, is not toxic to humans, and that high-dose
treatment is less beneficial than lower doses.

His work has settled controversies about possible toxic side effects,
enabling  physicians to prescribe levodopa in appropriate cases without
hesitation. This has improved the quality of life for thousands of
Parkinson's patients.

Rajput recently discovered a compound in the brain cells of Parkinson's
patients that could be related to the cause of the disease.

He has also done significant clinical research on Alzheimer's disease that
has potential
applications for helping both Alzheimer's and Parkinson's patients.
Through his extensive work, prevention of Parkinson's has become a
possibility.

Throughout his career, Rajput has balanced clinical practice with teaching,
administrative duties, and research, acting as a mentor and collaborator to
faculty, residents, and students.

"He is not 'just a researcher' who lets others carry the more mundane, but
necessary activities of the Department," says pharmacology department head
Thomas Wilson.  "He has, for 35 years, been the quintessential academic
physician."

Rajput has been a tireless advocate for people with Parkinson's.  He
brought levodopa to the province when patients had no access to the drug.
He helped found the Saskatchewan Parkinson's Disease Foundation and is a
member of the World Health Organization's working group on Parkinson's. He
also set up a Movement Disorder Clinic at Royal University Hospital and in
Regina.

He has worked on national and international committees, and has published
numerous book chapters, articles, and papers.  He is a reviewer for many
professional journals and granting agencies.  He is also in demand as a
consultant, guest lecturer, and media resource on Parkinson's disease and
research.

Rajput earned Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degrees at the
University of Sind, Pakistan and a Master of Science degree in neurology at
the University of Michigan.  With the exception of a one-year sabbatical
atthe Mayo Clinic, he has spent his 35-year career at the U of S.

He has been honored with many awards including the Saskatchewan Order of
Merit in 1993, the Order of Canada (Officer) in 1997, the Morton Schulman
Award from the Parkinson Society of Canada in 2001, and the 2002
Distinguished Canadian award from the Seniors' University Group at the
University of Regina.

Rajput served as head of the Division of Neurology from 1985 to 2001. He is
also an associate member of the Department of Psychiatry and the Department
of Community Health and Epidemiology.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Dr. Ali Rajput
Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine
College of Medicine
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-8009

Kathryn Warden
U of S Research Communications Officer
Office of the Vice-President (Research)
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-2506
[log in to unmask]
http://www.usask.ca/research/
"Investing in Ideas: U of S Research"
http://www.usask.ca/events/news/articles/20020523-2.html


janet paterson: an akinetic rigid subtype, albeit primarily perky, parky
pd: 55/41/37 cd: 55/44/43 tel: 613 256 8340 email: [log in to unmask]
smail: 375 Country Street, Almonte, Ontario, Canada, K0A 1A0
a new voice website: http://www.geocities.com/janet313/

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