What You Helped Us Achieve in 2018
AGING IN THE 21st CENTURY New Multidisciplinary Center Integrates Novel Methods and Technology for Advanced Care in Older Adults In recent years, the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease has climbed to the number six spot as a leading cause of death. Currently, it affects 5.7 million people and their caregivers. These skyrocketing statistics have made the development of efficacious, novel treatments a global health priority. To address this urgent need for intervention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders, the UM Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences established the Center for Cognitive Neuroscience and Aging (CNSA) in June of 2018. Led by Dr. David Loewenstein, the Center is staffed by a highly regarded team of clinical investigators to provide innovative clinical trials as well as novel cognitive, behavioral and psychosocial interventions for patients and their families. Technologically advancing the cognitive assessment methodologies that are sensitive to preclinical dementia is a core CNSA research aim. The CNSA has a strong partnership with the University of Miami’s computer scientists to advance their digital cognitive tools to assess dementia. These advancements overcome the many limitations inherent in conventional assessment and increases standardization, scoring accuracy, real time data transfer, and accessibility through remote deliverability. This is done while incorporating the diverse needs of individuals of varying cultures, languages, and ability levels. The CNSA and its partners are on the forefront of technology development for assessing and diagnosing conditions that affect at-risk older adults. They also deliver computerized training for persons seeking to actively maintain their cognitive health. Along with Dr. Loewenstein, Dr. Elizabeth Crocco, memory disorders expert and Medical Director of CNSA and the UM Memory Disorders Clinic, and Dr. Rosie Curiel Cid, Chief of Cross-Cultural Neuropsychology and Cognitive Neuroscience are leading CNSA’s efforts to prevent and effectively treat brain disorders that affect the cognition and healthy, independent functioning of older adults. These experts are making CNSA a renowned center for the evaluation, management, treatment and care for older individuals. Mission The mission of the Center for Cognitive Neuroscience and Aging (CNSA) is to be national and international leaders in understanding the aging brain and a hub to develop and employ the most state-of-the-art techniques for the study of brain disorders.
from left Dr. Rosie Curiel Cid Dr. David Loewenstein Dr. Elizabeth Crocco
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Vision The vision of the CNSA is to further develop the understanding of brainbehavior relations, to relate cognitive profiles to specific disorders of the brain and central nervous system, and to enhance the health and wellbeing of older adults.
