Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology Unit

The aging of the population has resulted in a rise in the prevalence of neuropsychiatric disorders, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, depression, and vascular diseases of the brain, among others.

In these diseases, individuals may experience cognitive challenges such as a decline in memory, attention, concentration, and orientation. Emotional symptoms can include low mood, depression, anxiety, and apathy. Additionally, there may be behavioral changes such as restlessness, aggression, false thoughts, and hallucinations.  Emotional and behavioral changes are experienced by over 90% of patients with these diseases, causing significant distress for both patients and their families.

The diagnosis and treatment of patients can sometimes slip through the cracks for various reasons: Lack of diagnosis or incorrect diagnosis; unavailability of specific clinical expertise; avoidance of patients and their families from being identified with psychiatric problems; lack of uniformity in the diagnostic and therapeutic approach of the patient caregivers, who come from different fields - neurology, geriatrics, psychiatry.

At our Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology Unit, we bring together a diverse team of psychiatrists, neurologists, geriatricians, and psychologists that provide an integrative therapeutic approach leading to earlier and more accurate diagnosis and treatment. Above all, our utmost goal is to enhance the quality of life for our patients and their families.

Our unit offers solutions in several areas:

1. A multidisciplinary approach to emotional and behavioral cognitive disorders in the context of old age and neurodegenerative diseases of the brain.

2. Early diagnosis and monitoring of at-risk individuals, including descendants of dementia patients, diabetes patients, and elderly individuals with depression.

3. Access to participation in studies evaluating new drugs for the treatment of dementia and emotional-behavioral changes in the context of aging and dementia.

4. Support, information and assistance for families of patients.

Who can benefit?

• Older individuals experiencing cognitive disorders such as forgetfulness, confusion, difficulty recalling words, and problems with attention and concentration associated with aging.
• People aged 65 and over who have mood changes, behavioral changes, anxiety, or sleep disorders due to aging or brain diseases (such as Alzheimer's, other types of dementia, Parkinson's, or conditions after a stroke).
• Family members of patients who are interested in support and assistance.
• People who are at risk of dementia and interested in receiving ongoing monitoring.
• Patients who were hospitalized in one of the hospital's wards due to acute confusion and were discharged with the need for cognitive, emotional, and behavioral monitoring.

How we determine the condition? 

The initial diagnosis involves a medical interview, physical examination, and cognitive assessment. The doctor also speaks with a relative to gather additional information that the patient may not be aware of or find difficult to provide. Further evaluations, such as blood tests, brain imaging, and neuropsychological assessments are then conducted as needed.