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The Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research

Geriatric Psychiatry

Geriatric Psych
Department Director: 
Nunzio Pomara, M.D.

The Geriatric Research Division consists of research scientists and clinicians who specialize in identifying biomarkers of normal and pathological cognitive aging; also, in the evaluation of novel approaches for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

Research Focus

As the geriatric general population continues to grow, these problems become increasingly prevalent. The elderly are highly prone to develop psychiatric disorders, probably because of age-related changes in the brain, physical illness, as well as increased stress in later life. Psychiatric disorders in this population may have a different presentation than in other groups and some of the psychopathologies might be mistaken for normal age-related changes.

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The Geriatric Research Division at NKI has two distinct programs: The Geriatric Psychiatry Research Program, which specializes in early identification, treatment, and biomarkers of memory disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease; and the Brain and Behavior Laboratory, which focuses on Parkinson’s disease, other movement disorders, and speech and language abnormalities in the geriatric population.

Memory Evaluations

The Geriatric Psychiatry Research Program provides free memory evaluations to members of the community who may be experiencing memory concerns or cognitive impairment, and offers participation in a number of clinical research studies for individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease. To speak with someone about memory evaluations, please call (845) 398-5582.

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Clinical Trials

We offer a number of ground-breaking clinical trials that evaluate the efficacy and safety of novel pharmacological agents that are not yet available by prescription. Some of these offer potentially disease-modifying treatments, which could slow down or prevent the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Other pharmacological agents offer potential symptomatic relief for problems associated with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders, including agitation, restlessness, aggression, and forgetfulness. For more information about the clinical trials we offer, please contact Dr. Antero Sarreal at (845) 398-6532.

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