Behavioral Neurologists in the Department of Neurology at Indiana University School of Medicine treat patients who have brain conditions that affect their memory, behavior and cognition. One of the most common conditions behavioral neurologists diagnose in patients is dementia, a group of diseases—which includes Alzheimer's disease—that affect the brain and cause memory loss and difficulty with communicating and thinking. Behavioral neurologists at IU also participate in research to better understand the complexities of dementia.
Alzheimer's disease and related dementias
A large focus for behavioral neurologists at IU School of Medicine is Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. As the disease progresses, physical changes to a person’s brain tissue leads to the build-up of protein clusters (plaque) between nerve cells, making it difficult for neurotransmitters to connect and communicate in order to facilitate routine body functions. People with Alzheimer’s disease experience escalating levels of memory loss, declining quality of thought clarity and decision-making capabilities, and become unable to care for themselves.
Local community and federal resources, which include support groups, legal services and financial assistance, are available to help patients and their families cope with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, including IU Health, the health system partner of IU School of Medicine, provides patients and their caregivers with an Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Center Resource Guide.
Download the Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Resource Guide
IU School of Medicine Partners
Longitudinal Early-onset Alzheimer's Disease Study (LEADS)
The Longitudinal Early-onset Alzheimer’s Disease Study (LEADS) is funded by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) to address several major gaps in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias research. The research team is led by Liana Apostolova, MD, distinguished professor and Barbara and Peer Baekgaard Professor of Alzheimer's Disease Research in the Department of Neurology. LEADS is an observational study that follows about 600 cognitively impaired participants and 100 cognitively normal participants between the ages of 40 and 64 years at 18 sites across the country. Researchers aim to develop sensitive clinical and biomarker measures for future clinical and research in hopes of unlocking the mystery of early-onset Alzheimer's disease.
Specialists
Looking for Patient Care?
To schedule an appointment with a neurologist, call IU Health at 317-948-5450 or search the IU Health Find a Doctor portal.