671. Why Has There Been So Little Progress on Alzheimer’s Disease?
Apr 17, 2026•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 671
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Episode description
One possibility: a leading hypothesis pursued by researchers (and funders) was built on science that now appears to be fraudulent. Stephen Dubner speaks with the scientist and the journalist who blew the whistle.
- SOURCES:
- Charles Piller, investigative journalist for Science, author of Doctored.
- Matthew Schrag, associate professor of neurology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
- RESOURCES:
- Doctored: Fraud, Arrogance, and Tragedy in the Quest to Cure Alzheimer's, by Charles Piller (2025).
- "The brain makes a lot of waste. Now scientists think they know where it goes," by Jon Hamilton (NPR, 2024).
- "The history of Alzheimer’s disease," by Lisa Kiani and Richard Hodson (Nature, 2024).
- EXTRAS:
- "Can Marty Makary Fix the F.D.A.?" by Freakonomics Radio (2026).
- "Are You Ready for the Elder Swell?" by Freakonomics Radio (2025).
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