Hope Center researcher James Galvin, MD, MPH, receives a top award for his research into geriatric dementia.

June 13, 2006 - Finding the onset of dementia is Dr. James Galvin's specialty.

Facing the possibility of a loved one having dementia may be a frightening and uncertain time. Many families are unfamiliar with the symptoms of dementia and are unlikely to recognize the importance of medical diagnosis and treatment.

Dr. James Galvin, MD, MPH knows: “Dementia is under-diagnosed.” He recently received the American Academy of Neurology’s 2006 Research Award in Geriatric Neurology for his laboratory and clinical studies of dementia onset. Dr. Galvin is an Assistant Professor of Neurology and Neurobiology at Washington University, Medical Director of the Memory Diagnostic Center and Associate Clinical Core Leader of the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. He investigates the clinical and pathological features of Lewy Body dementias, and works to understand the psychosocial determinants of older adults’ intention to discuss memory problems with their physician and families.

One of Dr. Galvin’s key contributions is in the study of dementia is an eight item questionnaire designed to detect the earliest stages of dementia compared with healthy brain aging. The questionnaire has been adopted by a number of outside investigators and translated into several languages including French, Spanish, German and Dutch.

Dr. Galvin lives in unincorporated St. Louis County with his wife, Doris, and three sons Chris (16), Jake (13), and Conor (8).

Written by Caroline C. Blaker of the Hope Center for Neurological Disorders