Preserving Brain Health and Advancing Neuroscience
At a recent lunch and learn, experts in the Miller School’s Department of Neurology shared their latest research on aging with Miller School supporters who came to learn more about living longer, healthier lives.
With more than 3 billion people worldwide affected by neurological conditions and a rapidly growing senior population in South Florida, the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine is leading the way in advancing our understanding of the aging brain and developing treatments to improve and extend life.
At a recent lunch and learn at the Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club in Boca Raton, experts in the Miller School’s Department of Neurology, in partnership with the Office of Estate and Planned Giving, shared their latest research and advancements on aging with nearly 60 Miller School supporters who came to learn more about living longer, healthier lives.
“Our transdisciplinary approach to clinical research, clinical care, education and training and community outreach is poised to have a profound impact on those living in Boca Raton and beyond,” said Jose G. Romano, M.D., chair and professor of the Department of Neurology at the Miller School. “World-class care is right here in your community.”
Information on the newly renovated UHealth Boca Raton facility, which recently reopened with 15,000 square feet of space to provide excellence in patient care, was of particular interest to the guests. Included in the facility is the state-of-the-art Comprehensive Center for Brain Health (CCBH), which was created as a research hub for healthy aging. There, researchers can better understand how the aging brain works and design treatments and personalized prevention plans for each patient
Sharing Insights on the Aging Mind
Dr. Romano introduced a panel of experts who presented groundbreaking insights on “Aging Mind: Preserving Brain Health and Advancing Neuroscience.”
“Today you’ll hear from leaders in brain health who are revolutionizing early detection, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of neurological disorders,” said Dr. Romano, chief of neurology at UM/Jackson Memorial Health System.
Henry Moore, M.D., director of the neurology clinic at UHealth Boca Raton, warned that Parkinson’s disease is the nation’s fastest-growing neurological disorder, with diagnoses expected to double by 2040 and no cure in sight.
“Increasing life expectancy and environmental factors, like new pesticides in the air, are driving this surge,” said Dr. Moore, assistant professor of clinical neurology at the Miller School.
Agnes Supala-Berger, M.D., staff physician in the Department of Neurology at the Miller School, emphasized the importance of good sleep habits.
“Sunset signals the body to relax,” said Dr. Supala-Berger. “Avoid screens before bed. The blue light mimics daylight and prevents our brains from resting.”
Lilah Besser, Ph.D., M.S.P.H., research assistant professor of neurology at the Miller School and CCBH, discussed the growing role of digital, non-invasive biomarkers like smart watches.
“We use these tools to analyze speech, gait and other patterns to detect cognitive decline early and identify those who need intervention,” said Dr. Besser.
Committed to Advancing Neurology
The event came just months after the University of Miami pledged to invest more than $30 million to bolster basic science research targeting neuroscience and aging, some of the most complex conditions confronting the U.S. population, including South Florida.
“Prevention and early detection are key,” said Dr. Romano. “Through cutting-edge, research-driven care and prevention programs, we’re enabling earlier, more accurate diagnoses, paving the way for personalized treatment plans for conditions like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and stroke.”
Ranked among the top 2% of neurology and neurosurgery programs by U.S. News & World Report, the Miller School’s neurology department is a leading recipient of NIH funding, driving breakthroughs in memory disorders, ALS, stroke and other neurological diseases.
“We are setting the gold standard in neurology—through care, research and education,” Dr. Romano said.
Tags: Alzheimer's disease, cognitive decline, Comprehensive Center for Brain Health, Department of Neurology, Dr. Agnes Supala-Berger, Dr. Henry Moore, Dr. Jose Romano, Dr. Lilah M. Besser, memory disorders, neurology, Parkinson's disease