UA Professor Receives Third National Honor for Aging Research

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Dr. Louis Burgio, distinguished research professor in psychology and director of the Center for Mental Health and Aging at The University of Alabama, has been named the 2005 recipient of the “Outstanding Contributions to Psychology in Long Term Care” award by the Psychologists in Long Term Care organization.

This is the third national recognition for Burgio in three months for his research in the areas on aging, dementia and long-term care. In July he received the M. Powell Lawton award, one of the highest awards given nationally for outstanding contributions in the area of mentorship and innovations in applied gerontology; and was awarded Fellow status by the Gerontological Society of America, recognition by peers for outstanding contributions to the field of gerontology.

Psychologists in Long Term Care, founded in 1983, is a network of psychologists and other professionals dedicated to providing high quality mental health services in long-term care settings, including skilled nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, assisted living facilities and congregate housing.

“Dr. Burgio’s research has made a significant and positive impact on the lives of older adults living in long term care facilities,” said Dr. Victor Molinari, PLTC president.

During his time at UA, Burgio has been the primary project director, co-project director or primary mentor for research grants totaling more than $10 million and awarded by the nation’s top research centers, such as the National Institute on Aging and the National Institute for Mental Health. Burgio has conducted or is conducting research on caregiving and intervention for dementia patients for such agencies/organizations as The Alzheimer’s Association, the National Institute on Aging, the National Institute of Nursing Research and the Retirement Research Foundation.