Department of Neurology
- Outpatient Areas in Aging

Behavioral Neurology: Behavioral neurology is the sub-discipline of neurology that deals with disorders of cognition due to brain disease. Behavioral neurologists in the Memory Disorders Clinic provide neurological examinations, coordinate and interpret laboratory tests, and oversee pharmacological treatment.

Neuropsychology: All patients are provided with comprehensive evaluations of memory and other cognitive abilities, emotion, and behavior. These evaluations are an important component of the diagnostic process, and allow quantified evaluation of functional abilities. Repeated neuropsychological evaluations over time allow care providers to carefully monitor the course of dementia syndromes. For many patients, neuropsychological evaluation provides a foundation for developing programs of cognitive rehabilitation or behavior management.


Neuroimaging: UI Hospitals and Clinics is equipped with state-of-the-art imaging facilities for non-invasive viewing of the brain. These tools include computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional MRI (fMRI), and positron emission tomography (PET). These tools are used in diagnosis and research to provide detailed pictures of brain structure and function, while maintaining patient comfort and safety.

Behavioral management: Experts in neuropsychological rehabilitation, geriatric nursing, and rehabilitation counseling provide patients and their families with guidance in managing the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral changes associated with aging and dementia. A resource room provides educational materials and contact information for caregiver support groups, dementia-related organizations, and library and internet resources.

Memory Disorders Registry: The Memory Disorders Clinic maintains a registry for research studies involving memory disorders and other cognitive changes that often occur with aging. The purpose is to maintain a current listing of older persons who may be willing to participate in studies designed to learn more about memory disorders associated with aging. The information collected in the registry will enable the investigators to learn about the risk factors that may be associated with these cognitive changes. We invite people to participate in this research registry if they have changes in aspects of memory, language, spatial skills or decision-making. See the website at uihealthcare.com/depts/med/neurology/patients/memorydisorder.html

Driving Research: Investigators in the Memory Disorders Clinic maintain an active program of research aimed at improving driving safety in persons with neurological impairments. Headed by Dr. Matthew Rizzo, this research brings together detailed analysis of cognitive and visual-motor abilities, high-fidelity driving simulation, and on-the-road vehicles equipped with devices for continuous monitoring of driver behavior, in an effort to predict safe and unsafe driving and enhance driving competence in persons with and without neurologic disease. For more information, see the website at http://www.uiowa.edu/~neuroerg/index.html

Clinical Trials: One purpose of the Memory Disorders Clinic is to investigate new pharmacological and behavioral interventions for persons with memory disorders. At any time, there may be one or more ongoing investigations of experimental treatments. Please contact us for more information.

Department of Neurology, UIHC
200 Hawkins Drive, 2155 RCP
Iowa City, IA 52242
Phone: 319-356-0872
Fax: 319-356-4505

For full information about the above named Neurology clinics and others at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, please see the website at: http://uihealthcare.com/depts/med/neurology/patients/clinics.htm

University of Iowa Center on Aging

Established in 1990, The University of Iowa Center on Aging mission is to serve the University and State by fostering and enhancing interdisciplinary research, education and services efforts. The Center is dedicated to understanding the aging process and improving the health and wellbeing of older people.

Outreach and collaboration are central to the Center's goals and activities. The Center offers leadership, consultation and resources to diverse community, university, state and national audiences. These efforts are intended to advance new findings that improve services and programs, increase training and expertise in aging, guide public policy and provide timely information that supports informed decision-making.

The Director, Robert B. Wallace, MD, MSc, UI professor, Epidemiology and Deputy Director, Kathleen C. Buckwalter, RN, PhD, FAAN, UI professor, Geriatric Nursing plan and coordinate the Center activities, including research, educational foci and information dissemination. Associate directors in the Center on Aging include: Brian Kaskie, PhD, Associate Director for Public Policy; and Susan Schultz, MD, Associate director for Clinical Research.

For more complete information about UI Center on Aging programs and resources, including a county-by-county geriatrician locator list in Iowa; Publications on Aging and the Seniors Together in Aging Research [STAR] Registry, a resource available for researchers of approximately 1500 volunteers for research over the age of 50 and many more resources, visit the UI Center on Aging website at: www.centeronaging.uiowa.edu/index.shtml

For more information contact: Lori Benz, Program Associate, (319) 335-6546 or Barbara Reasner, Departmental Secretary, at (319) 335-6576

University of Iowa Center on Aging,
2159 Westlawn, Iowa City, Iowa 52242
319-335-6576 tele.
319-353-4614 fax
www.centeronaging.uiowa.edu

Graduate Interdisciplinary Fellowship in Aging

In fall 2003, the Center on Aging at the University of Iowa initiated the Interdisciplinary Graduate Fellowship in Aging as a pilot program to enhance students' professional development in aging. The program is a collaborative effort by the Center on Aging, Colleges of Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy and Public Health, School of Social Work and the Aging Studies Program. Mentors from these programs donate their time to expand students' exposure to interdisciplinary learning, using ICON for discussion and response to mentor's articles/communication. The fellowship provides students with unique educational experiences that deepen appreciation for interdisciplinary approaches to aging, increase exposure to multidisciplinary research, clinical and policy issues and advance professional development.

Fellowships are awarded primarily on the basis of academic merit and support student expenses to the Gerontology Society of America and the American Society on Aging conferences. Independent study course credit may be awarded on an individual basis upon approval of appropriate department faculty.

2009-2010 Fellowship in Aging team members includes graduates students from nursing, medicine, health management administration, epidemiology, aging studies program, and social work.

For complete details and how to apply for the Fellowship, contact the education coordinator, Virginia Jorstad [virginia-jorstad@uiowa.edu] University of Iowa Center on Aging, 2159 Westlawn, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, (319) 384-4566.