Every year, billions of dollars are funneled into Alzheimer’s research. And yet, so far, there’s no treatment that’s been able to reverse the disease, or even meaningfully slow the cognitive decline of patients.
Part of the reason is that the disease is complex, and brain disorders are notoriously difficult to understand.
But in a new book, an investigative science reporter makes the case that there’s another reason progress toward Alzheimer’s treatments has stalled: scientific fraud.
Host Flora Lichtman talks with Charles Piller, investigative journalist at Science and author of the book Doctored: Fraud, Arrogance, and Tragedy in the Quest to Cure Alzheimer’s.
Further Reading
- Read about the plan to retract an influential Alzheimer’s study via Science.
- Watch an interview with Charles Piller via The Megyn Kelly Show.
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Segment Guests
Charles Piller
Charles Piller is an investigative journalist with Science Magazine in Oakland, California and the author of Doctored: Fraud, Arrogance, and Tragedy in the Quest to Cure Alzheimer’s.
Segment Transcript
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Meet the Producers and Host
About Shoshannah Buxbaum
Shoshannah Buxbaum is a producer for Science Friday. She’s particularly drawn to stories about health, psychology, and the environment. She’s a proud New Jersey native and will happily share her opinions on why the state is deserving of a little more love.
About Flora Lichtman
Flora Lichtman is a host of Science Friday. In a previous life, she lived on a research ship where apertivi were served on the top deck, hoisted there via pulley by the ship’s chef.