Neuro-psychiatry focus in the UMass Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology Clinic
Date Posted: Tuesday, July 30, 2024In 2023, AM Barrett, MD, Chair of Neurology opened the Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology Clinic between UMass Memorial Health and UMass Chan Medical Center to provide treatment solutions to patients with neurological disorders, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), or Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and other dementias. The operation of the clinic is guided through Dr. Barrett’s vision and understanding of the behavior of neurology which includes the importance of incorporating interdisciplinary treatment care for patients. Dr. Barrett’s focus on the discipline of behavioral neurology drives her to develop better care transitions, to aid the imminent needs of patients with cognitive impairments and neurological degenerative disease. The clinic represents a history of success in integrating clinical, research, and education missions in memory disorder programs with the innovative translational therapeutics at UMass.
The vision is designed to increase the effectiveness of people with Alzheimer’s Disease, related dementias, and cognitive impairment to live successfully in their community, and to aid in the well-being of caregivers. By developing comprehensive care centers that include neuropsychologists and cognitive neurologists, who embed neurological rehabilitation and science that touches and enhances every part of patient care, to aid patients with additional diagnoses. Patients begin their assessment and evaluation process with our neurorehabilitation team, staffed with behavioral neurologists, neuropsychiatrists, geriatricians, psychometrists, and nursing professionals. The clinic serves patients through an ambulatory referral and assessment process to ensure our qualified patients are safe to participate in an FDA-approved anti-amyloid antibody treatment for AD, Lecanemab, an optional treatment solution, as well as other skill-based cognitive strategies in treating neurodegenerative concerns, such as memory issues associated with dementia.
The interdisciplinary approach to care advances care for patients with ALS, AD and other related dementias, MS, migraines, functional neurological disorders, autism and developmental disorders, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson’s disease and movement disorders, epilepsy, and traumatic brain injuries.
The Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology Clinic has recorded over 250 office visits in our first year, exceeding the initial goal by over 160%.
Learn more about AM Barrett's Legacy in Behavioral Neurology
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