Boston University Medical School professor, Thomas Perls, M.D., will speak on "Centenarians: A New Paradigm of Aging," Thursday, Oct. 9, in the lecture hall of the Convocation Center at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro.

As the second of eight features for the 2003-04 Lecture~Concert Series, Perls’ program will begin at 7:30 p.m., and the admission is free. It is a joint presentation with the Center on Aging-Northeast and the College of Nursing and Health Professions.

In addition to teaching and practicing geriatric medicine at Boston University Medical School and Boston Medical Center, he directs the New England Centenarian Study focusing on those who live to 100. With funding from the National Institute of Aging and the Alzheimer’s Association, his project is the world’s largest genetic and social study of centenarians and their families.

He and his colleagues recently discovered a key genetic region that plays a critical role in helping centenarians ward off diseases such as Alzheimer’s, cancer, stroke, and heart disease.

As a scientific founder of the biotechnology firm Centagenetix, Perls is involved in work that may lead to drugs that will slow the aging process and retard diseases. He was the lead author of "Living to 100: Lessons in Living to Maximum Potential at any Age," published by Basic Books in 2000.

The ASU Lecture~Concert Series presents diverse programs to enrich the cultural life of the campus, community and region. All programs in the series are free and open to the public.

Also while in Jonesboro, Perls will also be speaking on Oct. 9 at a luncheon for healthcare professionals at 11:45 a.m. in the St. Bernards Auditorium. He will provide a presentation to community seniors (also on Oct. 9 at St. Bernards Auditorium) from 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. Registration is required for both afternoon events, please call the Center on Aging-Northeast at 930-9900.