Edward G. Shaw

Edward G. Shaw, MD, MA, is dually trained as a physician (MD, Rush Medical College, 1983, Internship/Residency, Mayo Clinic, 1987) and a mental health counselor (MA, Wake Forest University, 2010). He is the primary care partner for his wife, Rebecca, who was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease in 2008 at age 54. He was a practicing academic radiation oncologist for 23 years, specializing in the treatment of adults and children with brain cancer. During that time, he published 175 research articles, 25 book chapters, and co-edited 2 books. In 2010, inspired by Rebecca’s journey, his medical interest shifted to dementia diagnosis and treatment, and with his additional training in mental health counseling, he founded the Memory Counseling Program, part of the Section on Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine at Wake Forest Baptist Health in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, which serves individuals, couples, and families affected by Alzheimer's disease or another type of dementia. A career-long cognitive function researcher, Ed’s expertise on brain anatomy and function as well as mental health diagnosis and treatment were invaluable assets to the writing of "Keeping Love Alive As Memories Fade." His moving personal story of caring for his wife, coupled with his innovative use of the five love languages in dementia counseling, inspired the central message of the book. Ed and Rebecca have 3 adult daughters, Erin (husband Darian, sons Paul and Isaiah), Leah, and Carrie. Their story was featured several years ago on the local CBS news affiliate in North Carolina's Piedmont Triad by newscaster Julie Luck. http://legacy.wfmynews2.com/story/news/local/2014/07/17/forgotten-love-husband-story-of-losing-wife/12708213/