WashU Medicine Neurology announces a transition in the leadership of the Aging and Dementia Section. After an extraordinary tenure as Section Head John Morris, MD, will be stepping down from this role, and Erik Musiek, MD, PhD, will assume leadership of the section effective July 1, 2026. This marks an important moment for WashU Medicine Neurology — one that provides an opportunity to recognize Morris’ remarkable legacy while welcoming Musiek into a role for which he is exceptionally well prepared.
Morris’ contributions to WashU Medicine Neurology and the field of Alzheimer’s disease and aging have been truly transformative. As the Friedman Distinguished Professor of Neurology and longtime leader within the Knight Alzheimer Disease Research Center, he helped shape the modern understanding of Alzheimer’s disease across the full spectrum from normal aging to preclinical disease to dementia. Among his many contributions, he created and advanced the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR), which has become the global gold-standard tool for detecting the presence of Alzheimer’s disease, staging its severity, and tracking its progression in both research and clinical settings. His work in clinical characterization, clinicopathologic correlation, biomarkers, longitudinal cohort studies, clinical trials and dominantly inherited Alzheimer’s disease has helped establish WashU Medicine as one of the world’s leading centers for Alzheimer’s disease research and care.
Equally important, Morris built a culture of rigor, collaboration, mentorship and clinical excellence. Generations of trainees, faculty, patients and families have benefited from his wisdom, generosity and unwavering commitment to the highest standards of science and patient care. His leadership expanded not only the scientific reach of WashU Medicine Neurology’s aging and dementia programs, but also their impact on patients, families and communities. WashU Medicine Neurology is deeply grateful for all that Morris has done to build and sustain this outstanding section.
WashU Medicine Neurology is equally fortunate that Erik Musiek has agreed to take on this important leadership role. An outstanding physician-scientist, Musiek has opened new directions in understanding the relationships among sleep, circadian biology, glial function, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, protein aggregation and neurodegeneration. His research bridges fundamental mechanisms and translational relevance, with particular focus on how disruption of circadian and sleep biology may influence Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders.
Musiek brings scientific creativity, clinical insight, a deeply collaborative spirit, and a strong commitment to mentorship and program-building. He is uniquely suited to lead the section into its next chapter, building on Morris’ extraordinary foundation while advancing new directions in discovery, clinical care and training. Over the past year, Musiek has attended section head meetings and leadership functions in preparation for this transition, helping ensure continuity and a seamless assumption of the role.
Please join WashU Medicine Neurology in thanking Morris for his extraordinary leadership and in congratulating Musiek as he assumes leadership of the Aging and Dementia Section.