For decades, the general consensus among neurologists and neuroscientists has been that ALS treatments would only be able to slow down or stop further progression of the disease. Function that had already been lost would probably not be recovered. But now, evidence is emerging that not only is functional improvement possible, it’s happening for some people […]
As a leading researcher of rare diseases that affect children’s brains, Jonathan D. Cooper, PhD, thought little about the gastrointestinal (GI) system. That is, until the parents of children with a condition that Cooper studies urged him to investigate why debilitating digestive issues troubled their kids, who suffer from an incurable and fatal neurodegenerative brain condition […]
The gas xenon, like the other noble, or inert, gases, is known for doing very little. The class of elements, because of its molecular structure, don’t typically interact with many chemicals. But a new mouse study shows one possible use case for xenon — as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. The paper, published Wednesday in Science Translational […]
Terrance Kummer, MD, PhD, has been named Assistant Dean for Medical Student Research and Scholarship at Washington University School of Medicine. Dr. Kummer is currently the Director of EXPLORE, a longitudinal program that helps WashU MD students find and explore their academic niche in medicine. Dr. Kummer will continue in this role while also assuming […]
The Department of Neurology and the Institute for Informatics, Data Science and Biostatistics (I2DB) are pleased to welcome a new joint faculty member, Laura Wiley, PhD, FAMIA, who is serving as an associate professor as of Jan. 1. She will also serve as the Director of Clinical Data Science in the Office of the Chief […]
The Department of Neurology is pleased to announce our Neurology Residency Program chief residents for the 2025-2026 academic year. This group of remarkable individuals will be working with their resident colleagues, staff, faculty and leadership to continue strengthening our program as a leader in neurology residency training. Thank you to our current chief residents, Drs. […]
When studying substance use disorders, scientists had thought some of the effects on the brain could stem from use of the substances themselves: People start drinking alcohol in early teens, that alcohol has a neurotoxic effect on the developing brain that begets more alcohol drinking, and a similar dynamic occurs with other substances. But research […]
Jim Fessler, MD, has been promoted from associate vice chair to vice chair of clinical affairs effective January 1, 2025. Fessler joined the Department of Neurology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis in February 2024 as associate clinical vice chair and professor of neurology in the Section of Epilepsy, with faculty appointments […]
Older adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) exhibit riskier driving behaviors than their nondepressed peers, including hard braking, cornering, and unpredictable driving patterns, new research showed. Data for the study came from commercial vehicle data trackers installed in participants’ vehicles. After about a year of follow-up, investigators found that MDD was associated with an increase […]
Congratulations to the members of the Department of Neurology who received accolades through the Supporting a Fair Environment (SAFE) program! SAFE aims to improve the learning environment by promoting positive behaviors and managing concerns about learner mistreatment and unprofessional behaviors. SAFE accolades include treating others with dignity and respect, creating an environment that values diversity, […]