News
Remembering Howard Levine: A Legacy of Philanthropy and Compassion
October 16, 2024
It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Howard Levine, a visionary leader in the real estate and mortgage industries and a deeply compassionate philanthropist.
Adys Mendizabal, MD: Study reveals racial disparities in Huntington’s disease diagnoses
July 9, 2024
UCLA Health researchers found Black patients diagnosed one year later than White patients on average from time of symptom onset
Andrew Charles, MD: Top migraine medication effective for preventing migraines, treating drug-induced headaches is hard to access
July 2, 2024
Dr. Andrew Charles was quoted in an ABC News article on the top migraine medication being effective for preventing migraines.
Mirella Diaz-Santos, PhD and Jason Hinman, MD, PhD: A more inclusive framework for Alzheimer’s disease
June 26, 2024
Drs. Mirella Díaz-Santos, Jason Hinman and the UCLA Easton Center were featured in a UCLA Health article on creating a more inclusive framework for Alzheimer's disease.
Kevin Bickart, MD, PhD: Healthy Body. Healthy Mind.
June 26, 2024
Dr. Kevin Bickart was featured in a Keiro Connect article on how finding a balanced and active physical lifestyle can help prolong your brain health.
Stanford L. Kurland Memorial Golf Classic and Silent Auction raise critical funds for UCLA Neuro-Oncology research
June 3, 2024
Now in its third year, the annual golf event has already raised more than $4.7 million for brain cancer research at UCLA. With its new online Silent Auction (open until June 9, 2024), there are more ways than ever to join the cause and champion the fight “fore” a cure.
Daniel Geschwind, MD, PhD: Groundbreaking study connects genetic risk for autism to changes observed in the brain
May 23, 2024
Dr. Daniel Geschwind were featured in a UCLA Health study that is part of massive brain, genetic mapping initiative for autism.
Peyman Golshani, MD, PhD: The crystallization of memory: Study reveals how practice forms new memory pathways in the brain
May 15, 2024
Dr. Peyman Golshani was featured in a UCLA Health article on how novel microscopes reveal how neuron activity changes through repeated training.
Brent Fogel, MD, PhD and Kimberly Carol Paul, PhD: Genetic variations may predispose people to Parkinson’s disease following long-term pesticide exposure, study finds
April 25, 2024
Drs. Brent Fogel and Kimberly Paul were featured in a UCLA Health article on how genetic variations may predispose people to Parkinson's disease following long-term pesticide exposure.
Brent Fogel, MD, PhD: Patients face insurance hurdles for genetic testing, UCLA study says
April 24, 2024
Dr. Brent Fogel was featured in a UCLA Health article on patients facing insurance hurdles for genetic testing
Andrew Charles, MD and Peter Goadsby, MBBS, MD, PhD: Migraine treatments; What are the latest advances?
April 12, 2024
Drs. Andrew Charles and Peter Goadsby were featured in a UCLA Health article on the latest advances in migraine treatments.
S. Thomas Carmichael, MD, PhD: Amyloid assassin; Lecanemab makes strides in fight against Alzheimer’s
March 27, 2024
Dr. S. Thomas Carmichael was featured in a UCLA Health article on the new treatment for Alzheimer's disease, Lecanemab, slowing the progression of the disease.
Jessica Rexach, MD, PhD and Mai Yamakawa, MD: UCLA neurologists find elevated levels of specific immune cell in Alzheimer’s disease patients
March 13, 2024
Drs. Jessica Rexach and Mai Yamakawa were featured in a UCLA Health article finding elevated elevels of specific immune cells in Alzheimer's disease patients.
Alon Avidan, MD, MPH: Is ‘Bed Rotting’ Good or Bad for Your Sleep?
March 11, 2024
Dr. Alon Avidan was quoted in a Scientific American article on whether "bed rotting" is good or bad for your sleep.
Alon Avidan, MD, MPH: What’s the Best Temperature for Sleep?
February 28, 2024
Dr. Alon Avidan was quoted in a WebMD article on the best temperature for sleep.
Indu Subramanian, MD: Breaking an Unwelcome Diagnosis With Hope and Compassion
February 28, 2024
Dr. Indu Subramanian was featured in a Medscape podcast on breaking an unwelcome diagnosis with hope and compassion.
Jeff Bronstein, MD, PhD: UCLA receives $10 million to launch Howard and Irene Levine Family Center for Movement Disorders
February 27, 2024
Dr. Jeff Bronstein and the Department of Neurology were featured in a UCLA Health article on donation of $10 million to establish the Howard and Irene Levine Family Center for Movement Disorders.
Charles Flippen II, MD: This is Black History Month!
February 1, 2024
Dr. Charles Flippen II and the UCLA Neurology EDI Committee are sharing a few words on the significance of this designation and observance of the path and contributions of this subset of Americans. The observance of BHM is of particular importance this year considering recent controversies surrounding history instruction in primary, secondary and post-secondary education.
Jennifer Adrissi, MD, MS: Bringing more diversity to Parkinson’s disease research
December 1, 2023
Black Americans make up 13.6% of the U.S. population. Yet only 1.7% of participants in Parkinson’s disease (PD) trials are Black. Dr. Jennifer Adrissi aims to help design studies with more Black participants.
Steven Cramer, MD: Stress an important factor in stroke recovery, study shows
November 30, 2023
Both past trauma and acute stress right after a stroke can affect long-term outcomes.
Mirella Diaz-Santos, PhD: UCLA Health researcher says brain health equity requires
‘paradigm shift’ in research practices
November 22, 2023
A partnership with the community should begin at the inception of the research and continue through analysis, says Mirella Diaz-Santos, PhD.
Drs. Radoslav Raychev and Jeffrey Saver: UCLA researchers study stroke certification’s
impact on outcomes
November 20, 2023
Dr. Raychev, along with Jeffrey Saver, MD set out to explore the difference in quality of care and clinical outcomes of reperfusion therapies to restore blood flow among primary stroke centers (PSCs), comprehensive stroke centers (CSCs) and TSCs
In Memoriam: Remembering Dr. Sidney Starkman
September 26, 2023
It is with sadness that we note that Dr. Sidney Starkman passed away on September 26, 2023 after a long fight with cancer. Dr. Starkman, Sid, was a generous man, unique in his clinical training and interests, who defined the field of vascular neurology at its inception.
Andrew C. Charles, MD: Study in mice shows how chronic caffeine consumption alters sleep pattern and blood flow
September 25, 2023
A new study finds that chronic caffeine consumption has surprising effects on sleep patterns and brain blood flow in mice, increasing brain blood flow during sleep.
Paul M. Vespa, MD elected President of the Neurocritical Care Society
September 22, 2023
The Neurocritical Care Society is the leading international multidisciplinary organizations dedicated to the mission of improving patient care and outcomes in critically ill neurologic patients.
Dr. Rhonda Voskuhl wins Rachel Horne Prize for Women’s Research in MS
September 21, 2023
Dr. Rhonda Voskuhl was awarded the inaugural Rachel Horne Prize for Women’s Research in MS for her work studying sexual differences in susceptibility and progression in multiple sclerosis and identifying potential therapies to improve outcomes.
Jason Hinman, MD, PhD: Understanding the stroke-dementia connection
August 28, 2023
Dr. Jason Hinman was featured in a UCLA Health article discussing his research exploring the interface between stroke and dementia.
Steven C. Cramer, MD: Deep Brain Stimulation Promising in Post-Stroke Recovery
August 18, 2023
Dr. Steven Cramer was quoted in a Medscape article on deep brain stimulation and its promise in post-stroke recovery.
Keith Vossel, MD: New Alzheimer’s Drug Raises Hopes — Along With Questions
August 15, 2023
Dr. Keith Vossel emphasized in an August 15th MinnPost KFF Health News article that UCLA Health is taking a precautionary measure by implementing a review board with a multidisciplinary group of specialists to determine patients' eligibility for Leqembi.
Daniel H. Geschwind, MD, PhD: New genetic clues uncovered in largest study of families with multiple children with autism
July 30, 2023
Dr. Daniel Geschwind was featured in a UCLA Health article discussing the largest-ever study of families with at least two children with autism, which uncovers new risk genes and provides new insights into how genetics influence whether someone develops autism spectrum disorder.
Keith Vossel, MD: What Is Sundown Syndrome? Symptoms, Causes And Treatment
July 26, 2023
Dr. Keith Vossel was interviewed in a July 26th Forbes Health article about sundowning and the symptoms that patients with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia may experience.
Rhonda Voskuhl, MD: Investigating the XY factor in disease
July 13, 2023
Dr. Rhonda Voskuhl was featured in an Axis article focused on the role of sex chromosomes and sex hormones in diseases. Dr. Voskuhl was cited for her research on how X chromosome genes contribute to autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis and for showing that specific types of estrogens can be neuroprotective so are in development for treatment of brain fog in otherwise healthy women during menopause.
Keith Vossel, MD: Insurers setting plans for new Alzheimer’s drug, related scans
July 12, 2023
Dr. Keith Vossel was quoted in a Boston Globe’s STAT News article regarding physicians and patients showing interest in learning more about the new Alzheimer’s treatment, Leqembi.
Beate Ritz, MD: More steps just a couple of times a week can improve heart health
July 7, 2023
Taking a certain number of steps for just a few days per week can significantly improve your cardiovascular health. “If you take 8000 steps or more at least one to three times a week, then your likelihood of dying is reduced by 14 percent,” says Dr. Beate Ritz.
Keith Vossel, MD: FDA gives full approval to first drug to clearly, but modestly, slow Alzheimer’s
July 6, 2023
Dr. Keith Vossel was interviewed by the Washington Post on the FDA's full approval to the first drug to clearly, but modestly slow Alzheimer's.
Leila Parand, MD: Researchers keep discovering new uses for Ozempic. Proving it works isn’t easy
June 24, 2023
Dr. Leila Parand was interviewed by NBC News on new usage for semaglutide in the treatment of Alzheimer's.
Keith Vossel, MD: Excess alcohol consumption may speed up progression of Alzheimer's disease
June 23, 2023
Dr. Keith Vossel was interviewed by Medical News Today and commented on recent Alzheimer's model research that suggested long-term excessive intake of alcohol can accelerate cognitive decline.
Mersedeh Bahr-Hosseini, MD: Brain 'Zaps' Might Limit the Damage From a Stroke
June 21, 2023
Dr. Mersedeh Bahr-Hosseini was interviewed by HealthDay on a study regarding whether an electrical zap to the brain could limit the damage a stroke inflicts.
S. Thomas Carmichael, MD, PhD: FDA approvals may move UCLA brain cancer and Alzheimer’s treatments from bench to bedside
June 12, 2023
Dr. S. Thomas Carmichael was interviewed by UCLA Health News on the FDA approval for Alzheimer's treatment, moving from bench to bedside.
Keith Vossel, MD: Could a new blood biomarker help predict Alzheimer's risk?
June 7, 2023
Dr. Keith Vossel was interviewed by Medical News Today about his viewpoint on a recent paper, which suggested that early detection of abnormal astrocytes could potentially predict the development of Alzheimer’s.
Rhonda Voskuhl, MD: How New Technologies Are Changing the Future of MS Treatments
June 7, 2023
Everyday Health featured Dr. Rhonda Voskuhl as she spoke at the Patient Expo of the Nancy Davis Erase MS event on June 3. Dr. Voskuhl shared her expertise on the topic of Aging in MS, addressing how aging contributes to the transition from the relapsing remitting inflammatory phase of disease to the progressive disability phase. She discussed how menopause and andropause can contribute to neurodegeneration during aging in healthy people and in those with MS.
Timothy Cloughesy, MD: Targeted Therapy Vorasidenib Offers Hope for Deadly Brain Tumors
June 4, 2023
Dr. Timothy Cloughesy was quoted in a Neuroscience News article on a newly developed drug, Vorasidenib, showing promise in prolonging progression-free survival for patients with a subtype of glioma.
Keith Vossel, MD: 'Knowledge is power': Healthy Iowa woman, 27, told she has a 95% chance of developing dementia stands by her decision to get genetically tested... but would YOU really want to know?
May 22, 2023
Dr. Keith Vossel was interviewed by DailyMail about some of the behaviors and emotional changes that patients and caregivers face with frontotemporal dementia, typically before the age of 60.
Keith Vossel, MD: New Alzheimer’s drug trial seen as ‘potentially very important.’
May 3, 2023
Dr. Keith Vossel was interviewed by MarketWatch about his perception of a new groundbreaking Alzheimer’s medication, "donanemab" by Eli Lilly, and on the unknown costs associated with the new drug and related tests.
Kevin Bickart, MD, PhD: Precision Medicine Approach to Chronic Traumatic Brain Injury is Underway
April 21, 2023
In preliminary work, Kevin Bickart, MD, PhD, has found that MRI can detect a blood flow pattern indicating an overactive connection between the prefrontal cortex and the amygdala in patients with chronic traumatic brain injury who experience fear avoidance symptoms. In a new study, he will test whether modifying this overactive brain circuit can help relieve symptoms of traumatic brain injury.
Andrew Charles, MD: FDA Approves Drug QULIPTA for Chronic Migraine
April 18, 2023
Dr. Andrew Charles was quoted in a Healthline article on the FDA approval of the drug QULIPTA for chronic migraine.
Daniel Geschwind, MD: What is autism? An expert explains
April 12, 2023
Dr. Daniel Geschwind was interviewed in a CNN Health article on autism.
‘Competitive greatness’ drives 5 years of Parkinson’s research breakthroughs at UCLA
April 6, 2023
UCLA Neurology was featured in a UCLA Health article on the 5 year anniversary of the Laurie and Steven C. Gordon's $25 million gift. This gift established their Commitment to Cure Parkinson's Disease at the David Geffen School of Medicine.
Jason Hinman, MD, PhD: Biomarker Helps Diagnose Vascular Dementia
February 23, 2023
Dr. Jason Hinman was interviewed by the Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News on the identification of biomarker for diagnosing vascular dementia.
Maryam Beigi, MD; Mirella Diaz-Santos, PhD; Jeff Bronstein, MD, PhD: Student-run HAND at UCLA hosts Neurodegenerative Disorders Awareness Night
February 21, 2023
Drs. Maryam Beigi, Mirella Diaz-Santos and Jeff Bronstein were panel speakers at the Neurodegenerative Disorders Awareness Night hosted by High-Tech and Neurological Disorders at UCLA, also featured in the Daily Bruin. Dr. Bronstein gave the keynote speech on recent research in the neurological disorders field, especially for Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. Drs. Beigi and Diaz-Santos spoke on the importance of a healthy lifestyle in maintaining disease progression as well as diversity in neuroscience research.
Mayank Mehta, PhD: New ways to diagnose learning and memory disorders
February 15, 2023
Dr. Mayank Mehta was quoted in an AZO Life Sciences article on new ways to diagnose learning and memory disorders.
Keith Vossel, MD: US becomes first country in the world to approve breakthrough Alzheimer's drug lecanemab that slows symptoms by 27% and costs $27,000 a year
January 6, 2023
Dr. Keith Vossel provided input on the new FDA-approved Alzheimer’s drug lecanemab, marketed as Leqembi, in his interview with DailyMail.com on Jan 6, 2023.
Jason Hinman, MD, PhD: Can Your Genes Reveal Your Stroke Risk?
December 12, 2022
Dr. Jason Hinman was quoted in a HealthCentral article on gene mutations and the link to stroke.
Kevin R. Patel, MD: 7 Lifestyle Tweaks to Make Living with MS Easier
December 12, 2022
Dr. Kevin Patel was quoted in a HealthCentral article on lifestyle tweaks to make living with MS easier.
Andrew Charles, MD: A Step Toward Figuring Out Migraines? Scans show how the condition affects the brain
November 24, 2023
Dr. Andrew Charles was quoted in a USA Today article on MRI scans showing how migraines affect the brain.
Jeffrey Saver, MD; May Nour, MD, PhD: For Many Stroke Patients, Robotic Thrombectomy Speeds Treatment and Improves Outcomes
November 21, 2023
Drs. May Nour and Jeffrey Saver were featured in a UCLA Health article on remote robotic thrombectomy and its usage to help underserved communities.
S. Thomas Carmichael, MD, PhD: How researchers are restoring movement in people with spinal cord injuries
November 15, 2022
Dr. S. Thomas Carmichael was quoted in a MedicalNewsToday article on how researchers are restoring movement in people with spinal cord injuries.
Rhonda Voskuhl, MD: UCLA researchers offer roadmap for identifying new neuroprotective treatments by leveraging sex differences
November 4, 2022
Dr. Rhonda Voskuhl was featured in a UCLA Health article on a new study that offers a roadmap for identifying new neuroprotective treatments by leveraging sex differences.
Daniel Geschwind, MD: Autism alters brain more broadly than previously thought
November 2, 2022
Dr. Daniel Geschwind was featured in a UPI article on the results of a study that explored how autism spectrum disorder affects the brain at the molecular level.
Daniel Geschwind, MD: Brain changes in autism are far more sweeping than previously known, UCLA-led study finds
November 2, 2022
Dr. Daniel Geschwind was featured in a UCLA Health article on the results of a study that explored how autism spectrum disorder affects the brain at the molecular level.