Rahul Desikan, Pioneering Researcher of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Dies at 41 from ALS

Rahul Desikan (CAS ’99, MED ’09) died on July 14th, 2019, after battling with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) for over two years. Desikan was a clinician; a professor at the University of California, San Francisco; and a tireless researcher of neurodegenerative diseases. Desikan often collaborated with colleagues around the world, belonging to a diverse group of fields, in their efforts to understand the causes behind neurodegenerative diseases. First diagnosed with ALS a month after beginning work on a collaborative study into the genetics of ALS, Desikan continued his research up until his death. He worked tirelessly, seeking to help both those suffering from ALS and those studying to find a cure, never giving up even in the face of tremendous adversity. For a more complete profile on Desikan and details of his incredible story, please follow this link for an article published in Bostonia in January 2019.