Neurologists to discuss new work

Alzheimer’s disease, autism, Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis are among the topics to be discussed at “Brains & Gains,” a free, public event being held from 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 20 in the Center for Tomorrow, North Campus.

Briefings on a broad range of neurological conditions and diseases will be followed by breakout question-and-answer sessions with leading national experts from the Jacobs Neurological Institute (JNI), UB’s Department of Neurology in the School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

Seating is limited and registration is required. To register, visit the JNI’s blog or contact Linda Safran at lindasaf@buffalo.edu or 881-1377.

Michael E. Cain, UB vice president for health sciences and dean of the medical school, will give welcoming remarks.

Gil I. Wolfe, professor and Irvin and Rosemary Smith Chair in the Department of Neurology and chief of Kaleida Neurology Services, will introduce the UB Department of Neurology and moderate the event.

“The purpose of this event is to give members of the Western New York community a chance to hear about some of the newest ways we have to treat people with a whole range of neurological diseases,” says Wolfe. “Attendees will hear presentations from UB department faculty, who will discuss the latest developments in their fields and make the community aware of clinical investigations now under way at UB. We want to answer questions and concerns, and to continue to partner with the community as we work together to treat these challenging conditions.”

The following topics and UB specialists will be featured:

• New Perspectives on Multiple Sclerosis: Bianca Weinstock-Guttman, professor of neurology, director of the Baird MS Center and the Pediatric MS Center of the Jacobs Neurological Institute, one of six centers of excellence established by the National MS Society; Ralph Benedict, professor of neurology; and Robert Zivadinov, professor of neurology and director of the UB Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center at Buffalo General Medical Center.
• Modern Views on Aging, Alzheimer’s Disease and Memory: Kinga Szigeti, assistant professor of neurology and director of UB’s Alzheimer’s Disease and Memory Disorders Center at Buffalo General; Benedict; and Zivadinov.
• Autism: Michelle Hartley-McAndrew, clinical assistant professor and medical director of the Children’s Guild Foundation Autism Spectrum Disorder Center at Women and Children’s Hospital of Buffalo, jointly operated by Kaleida Health and UB.
• Epilepsy In Children: Arie Weinstock, associate professor of clinical neurology and director of pediatric neurology for Kaleida Health.
• Parkinson’s Disease: Thomas Guttuso, assistant professor of neurology.
• Hot Flashes and the Brain: Guttuso.