Since 2014, I’ve been privileged to be an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurology at UNC-Chapel Hill. Prior to that, I attended Duke University as a graduate student and became enamored with North Carolina. Now, we seek to fully understand two devastating diseases that affect humans: ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. Our unique approaches and relentless optimism, grit, and determination will help us, as a group, achieve our goals and make progress against these diseases. In my spare time, I enjoy disc golf, the gym, a captivating movie, a novel about meaning in life, a cappuccino, a smooth red wine, and telling horrible dad jokes to adorable 3 and 7 yr old girls.
5 Responses to “Todd Cohen”
Gale Cass
Dr. Cohen, In the CurePSP newsletter, I see you are researching PSP. My mother and a cousin both died of diagnosed PSP. It was quite the journey for our family. During the early process of my Mom’s disease some of us were tested through a “Parkinson’s Plus” study. We did not know any of those results. My Mom died in 2004, my cousin, her nephew, in 2010. Would there be any testing for me at this time to know if PSP is in my future.? The society for PSP was very helpful to us throughout my Mom’s journey and the support group was wonderful. I would love to hear about your research and know if there may be any testing available. I have a cousin who is concerned about this, also. I can be reached at this email and can email you directly my phone number. Thanks so much for all you are doing and I look forward to hearing from you or your colleagues.
Dr Todd Cohen
I have been diagnosed with sIBM and would like the opportunity to speak with you one on one if possible. I would like to offer myself for trial under need Excutive order by President Trump ( The Right to Try). My MDA Dr Tulio Bertorini Memphis TN. I have means to travel at my expense. I hope we can talk soon.
My Best
Mike Hutchens
901-850-4197
Gary Beyer
Hi Todd,
Thank you so much. Our recent telephone conversation has further energized me. I just believe wonderful people like you and your staff are getting meaningfully closer to appreciably helping people like me and my awesome wife and caregiver, Julie. Since the late summer of 2013, I’ve found myself to be divinely-inspired and highly-driven to help other people who are dealing with difficult things in their respective lives to be both positively-focused and genuinely encouraged. Keep up your great work!!
Godspeed my friend,
Gary
I thought you’d appreciate reading one of the testimonials I was honored and humbled to receive below:
Gary Beyer is a talented author and also is a man of amazing character and strength, a person who has braved the intense perils and implications of a condition called Inclusion Body Myositis(IBM). This is a rare, inflammatory muscle disease that has both degenerative and auto immune characteristics. It is progressively debilitating. It somewhat mimics the lack of functionality associated with ALS (which is a nervous system disease). Things we all take for granted, like climbing stairs, getting out of chairs and toilet seats, and swallowing, have become more difficult for my friend Gary. His positivity and enthusiasm are contagious. He is also very fortunate to have his wife and compassionate caregiver Julie at his side. Along with Julie, he has given inspirational talks to close to 200 venues in Wisconsin. He motivates, inspires and keeps people hoping. This is truly a gift. I wrote this testimonial for Gary for his latest book, called “When The Time is Right”, “I’ve known Gary Beyer for several years. I consider him a great friend. He is very articulate and shows much compassion towards others. I very much enjoyed interviewing him on my ‘News and Notes’ podcast in 2015. Gary’s story is truly one of courage, love and relentless persistence. His books are a profound inspiration not just for those living with Inclusion Body Myositis, but for all of us who pursue life’s love and meaning.” Gary’s other books are “You Must Answer This” and “I Promise I’ll Pay Attention”.
Connor Wander
Hey! We are working on a response- it is a very busy season at UNC. Hold tight and best wishes!
Kevin McClintock
Aloha Dr. Cohen,
I recently read an ALSNEWSTODAY.com article and your NATURE COMMUNICATIONS article on “Acetylation-induced TDP-43…” I have sIBM (onset approx 2003) and am a 20 year navy vet (1973-1993). Current policy by the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) allows for service member support for post-service onset of ALS due to the increased prevalence (and likelihood of service connection) of ALS amongst service veterans. I have submitted a claim for DVA support for sIBM citing the clinical and pathological similarities of sIBM and ALS and am awaiting final adjudication. I have an expert opinion citing the disease similarities and likelihood of a common etiology from the Johns Hopkins Myositis Center and if possible I would like to request a brief statement of your opinion based on your research which is the most current I have found. If you disagree there is a common etiology between sIBM and ALS I fully understand. A general case opinion (i.e. “To whom it may concern”) with any contact information would really help in supplementing the articles I have submitted to DVA. In the ensuing period from 2003 till last year I was mobile and able to maintain employment but unfortunately due to the progression of the disease (sIBM) I had to medically retire. If you ever need any sIBM medical records I have a set covering 1999 thru present including muscle pathologies, EMGs, MRIs etc etc……from Mayo, UCSF and local support in Hawaii…..kind of a view of how sIBM evolves……I got a final diagnosis in 2012 from Mayo…..I appreciate any assistance and feel free to call if you would like to discuss…..I’m in Hawaii (-6 hours from EST)…..808-783-6145……thanks for all you do in moving us closer to a cure/teatment for sIBM and ALS…..Kevin McClintock