Cognitive Neurology
Description
The Cognitive Neurology group investigates neurodegenerative disease and conducts research on the clinical features, causes, diagnosis, and treatments of these diseases.
The Cognitive Neurology group provides consulting services and has developed major research programs. We have established several treatment programs for Alzheimer's disease and have specialized expertise in Pick's disease and focal atrophies. Our research interests include the use of functional MRI to examine affect and behavioral changes in Frontotemporal Dementia, the genetics of dementia, use of MRI for early diagnosis of dementia, and the basic cell biology of neurodegenerative disease.
The group participates in multicenter academic and pharmaceutical company sponsored research. Examples of these include the NIH-sponsored Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI), and the major clinical trials from Elan (Bapaneuzimab and Scyllo-insitol) and Myriad (Flurizan).
Our staff consists of two neuropsychometricians, a research assistant, two nurse coordinators for drug trials, and an administrative/regulatory assistant.
Training Opportunities
Residents
During scheduled academic half-days, neurology residents will study cognitive neurology topics including:
Core Topics
- Clinical approach to suspected dementia
- Clinical approach to aphasia
- Behavioural neurology examination: apraxia, agnosia, etc.
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Vascular dementia
- Other dementias – FTD, CBD, DLB
Special Topics
- Neuropathology: the dementias
- Pathophysiology of the dementias
- CanMEDs Scholar (Evidence Based Neurology)
- CanMEDS: Communicator, Health Advocate, Collaborator: Care planning for individuals with dementia
- CanMEDs Professional: Bioethics around life-sustaining treatment and the demented
Cognitive Neurology and Dementia Fellowship
Main Contact: Elizabeth Finger - MD
Affiliated Physicians: Drs. Finger and Pasternak
Click here for information about this fellowship.
*** The Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer Research Centre (CNARC) also has periodic openings for clinical fellows and post-doctoral fellows based on current available funding and project needs. We invite interested candidates to submit a letter of interest, CV and transcripts to: Kathy.Ayers@sjhc.london.on.ca
phone: 519-646-6032
fax: 519-646-6226
London Health Sciences Centre
University Hospital
339 Windemere Road
London Ontario Canada
N6A 5A5
Postdoctoral, Graduate, and Undergraduate
CNS offers training opportunities for residents in dementia and cognitive research. Opportunities for MSc, PhD, and Postdoctoral candidates are also available upon request. Recently Dr. Finger has acted as a primary supervisor to a PhD candidate conducting research in the psycholphysiologic correlates of guile and has co-supervised master’s, and postdoctoral candidates on research projects on the early biomarker and imaging detection of frontotemporal dementia; ventromedial PFC function, financial decision making and caregiver strategies in frontotemporal dementia, the delineation of neuroanatomy of empathy in frontotemporal dementia and other disorders; and PET/MRI imaging of neuroinflammation in frontotemporal Dementias. Dr. Pasternak has acted as a primary supervisor to undergraduate students conducting research in APP interaction with Arf6.
Students interested in Master’s or PhD programs can apply through the Graduate Program in Neuroscience (supervisor: Dr. Finger or Dr. Pasternak) or through the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology (supervisor: Dr. Pasternak).
Research Opportunities
If you are interested in conducting research in cognitive neurology and/or dementia or are interested in assisting in ongoing research by our faculty, visit their bio pages for information on their specific research interests and how to get in touch.
For more information on current research initiatives in cognitive neurology, visit the Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer Research Centre (CNARC) mini-site.
