MCG Health System Celebrates Brain Awareness Week

Augusta, Ga. -- Memory loss is a problem we all experience to some degree. But when is it serious enough to warrant the expertise of a neurologist?

Brain Awareness Week (March 10-17) was begun to highlight common neurological problems such as these and emphasize the importance of research in formulating new treatments to prevent or cure these problems.

According to Dr. Suzanne Smith, a neurologist with MCG Health System, memory impairment is a common symptom that prompts patients to see a neurologist. She and Dr. Shirley Poduslo, Director of the DNA Bank for Alzheimer's Research at the Medical College of Georgia, have plans to debut a Memory Disorders Clinic in April to evaluate patients who have concerns about their degree of forgetfulness.

There are many causes of memory impairment, including underlying medical conditions, head trauma, drugs and toxins, infections and progressive neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. "Memory disorders are more common in the elderly, but can be seen in younger patients," said Dr. Smith. "It is important to recognize and treat the causes of memory impairment, as the impairment may be reversible in some cases. For Alzheimer's disease, there is currently no cure, but medications are available that may delay the progression of symptoms."

Through the clinic, patients and family members can help support research to find a genetic cause for Alzheimer's disease by donating blood samples for the DNA Bank. Dr. Stephen Byrd will also lend his expertise to the clinic as a geriatric psychiatrist.

"This clinic is an excellent example of a collaborative approach to medicine," said Dr. Smith. "Research and clinical treatment go hand in hand to offer the best outcome to our patients."

MCG Health System is composed of MCG Health, Inc. and the clinical services offered by the faculty of the Medical College of Georgia and the members of the Physicians Practice Group. MCG Health, Inc. is a not?for?profit corporation operating the MCG Hospitals and Clinics, Children's Medical Center, the Georgia Radiation Therapy Center and related clinical facilities and services. MCG Health, Inc. was formed to support the research and education mission of the Medical College of Georgia and to build the economic growth of the CSRA, the state of Georgia and the Southeast by offering the highest level of primary and specialty health care.