Jacobs Neurological Institute - Specialty Centers



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Neuropsychology The general neuropsychological orientation of our group is one of hypothesis testing. We employ a wide range of tests and experimental or bedside methods to address specific referral questions or problems. There is a strong emphasis on training residents and students to comply with consult requests quickly and efficiently by avoiding unnecessarily long examinations. Consequently, trainees benefit from ongoing testing and interview experience with a large and diverse sample of patients, without overtaxing their clinical responsibilities. Our development of published, brief, and repeatable tests has worked well with this emphasis on cost effective care. Multiple Sclerosis Clinic: Dr. Benedict has served on multiple national and international panels for assessing and treating cognitive and psychiatric aspects of MS. He has made numerous presentations for the National MS Society, Consortium of MS Centers, and internet webcast forums. At the Jacobs Neurological Institute (JNI) our focus is to provide routine NP assessments that are brief and less costly than traditional NP testing services. In addition, our group provides psychological and neuropsychological counseling services for MS patients. NHL/NFL Neuropsychological Testing Programs: The UB Neuropsychology group has expertise in TBI and concussion management. We have developed two tests that are commonly used in by testing programs established for the National Hockey League (NHL) and the National Football League (NFL). The Hopkins Verbal Learning Test - Revised (HVLT-R) is used to assess verbal learning and memory. The Brief Visuospatial Memory Test - Revised (BVMT-R) is used to assess visual learning and memory. Dr. Benedict s erves as neuropsychology consultant for the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres. In each program, players undergo baseline testing during their first year. Exams are then used to assess the effects of concussions and to assist in making return to play decisions. Dementia and Memory Disorders Clinic: In collaboration with the Alzheimer's Association a new clinic is under development. The clinic will involve comprehensive neurological evaluation, neuropsychological testing, and functional and structural brain imaging. The goals are to effectively diagnose and treat senile-onset neuropsychiatric disorders and to follow patients with NP testing and quantified brain imaging. Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Center: is one of only 5 centers of excellence treating children with demyelinating disorders. Dr. Parrish serves as the primary neuropsychologist. Similar to the adult MS clinic, we provide routine NP assessments that are brief but efficient in determining areas of cognitive impairment and providing treatment recommendations. Pediatric Neuropsychology Outpatient Clinic: Dr. Parrish supervises the pediatric neuropsychology clinic, which offers students the opportunity to see a variety of pediatric patients (ages 3-18). Patients are typically referred by neurologists and local pediatricians, and include patients with epilepsy, head injury, autism spectrum disorders, and a variety of other medical and psychiatric conditions. Students are taught not only how to administer and interpret assessment measure, but how to work with children of varying capability and behavioral presentation in order to obtain the most reliable and valid assessment of functioning. There is also the opportunity to participate in epilepsy surgical conferences and didactic (neurology grand rounds, etc.). Current Research Correlation between gray matter deterioration and cognitive or personality changes in MS patients Development of new screening and monitoring tests for cognitive changes in MS patients Relationship between brain-derived neurotrophic factor and neuropsychological defects in MS Electrophysiological, MRI and neuropsychological impairments in patients with MS and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Treatment of processing speed and attention deficit in MS patients using stimulant medication Exercise and cognitive dysfunction in healthy aging Cognitive functioning in pediatric MS and other demyelinating disorders in children Development of norms for pediatric MS battery Clinical Training and Employment Hours are flexible and may be negotiated. Our environment is rich in educational/didactic experiences within the Jacobs Neurological Institute and the UB Department of Neurology. Please send letters of interest or other inquiries to: Dr. Ralph Benedict Neurology Suite D-6, Buffalo General Hospital 100 High Street, Buffalo, NY 14203 (716) 859-1403. E-mail is preferred UB Undergraduate Students Students receive independent study credit and participate in cognitive neuroscience research. A year-long commitment required, paid summer work may be available. UB Graduate Students We accept students from neuroscience, psychology or counseling psychology, seeking either a MA or PhD degree. Practicum placements or paid positions are available, for students seeking clinical and assessment experience. Students are trained to administer a wide range of psychological and neuropsychological tests (eg intelligence, memory, executive, personality) with a diverse patient population including medical (e.g., HIV, renal disease), neurological (eg, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, traumatic brain injury), and psychiatric (eg, personality disorder, schizophrenia) disorders. Students are encouraged to assist in and develop research initiatives that can be used to foster career development or meet requirements for their degree. Pediatric and adult placements are available. Research Assistant Duties include data management, statistical analysis, psychometric testing, and study coordination. Part or full time, salary depends on experience. Post-doctoral Fellowship Fellowships are available for either physician or psychology graduates seeking additional research and clinical training in the area of neuropsychology and MS. Dr. Benedict's CV lists publications which show the range of recent research activities.	Links Treatment Centers Specialty Centers Location/Directions Administration Make a Difference
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The general neuropsychological orientation of our group is one of hypothesis testing. We employ a wide range of tests and experimental or bedside methods to address specific referral questions or problems. There is a strong emphasis on training residents and students to comply with consult requests quickly and efficiently by avoiding unnecessarily long examinations. Consequently, trainees benefit from ongoing testing and interview experience with a large and diverse sample of patients, without overtaxing their clinical responsibilities. Our development of published, brief, and repeatable tests has worked well with this emphasis on cost effective care.

Multiple Sclerosis Clinic: Dr. Benedict has served on multiple national and international panels for assessing and treating cognitive and psychiatric aspects of MS. He has made numerous presentations for the National MS Society, Consortium of MS Centers, and internet webcast forums. At the Jacobs Neurological Institute (JNI) our focus is to provide routine NP assessments that are brief and less costly than traditional NP testing services. In addition, our group provides psychological and neuropsychological counseling services for MS patients.

NHL/NFL Neuropsychological Testing Programs: The UB Neuropsychology group has expertise in TBI and concussion management. We have developed two tests that are commonly used in by testing programs established for the National Hockey League (NHL) and the National Football League (NFL). The Hopkins Verbal Learning Test - Revised (HVLT-R) is used to assess verbal learning and memory. The Brief Visuospatial Memory Test - Revised (BVMT-R) is used to assess visual learning and memory. Dr. Benedict s erves as neuropsychology consultant for the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres. In each program, players undergo baseline testing during their first year. Exams are then used to assess the effects of concussions and to assist in making return to play decisions.

Dementia and Memory Disorders Clinic: In collaboration with the Alzheimer's Association a new clinic is under development. The clinic will involve comprehensive neurological evaluation, neuropsychological testing, and functional and structural brain imaging. The goals are to effectively diagnose and treat senile-onset neuropsychiatric disorders and to follow patients with NP testing and quantified brain imaging.

Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Center: is one of only 5 centers of excellence treating children with demyelinating disorders. Dr. Parrish serves as the primary neuropsychologist. Similar to the adult MS clinic, we provide routine NP assessments that are brief but efficient in determining areas of cognitive impairment and providing treatment recommendations.

Pediatric Neuropsychology Outpatient Clinic: Dr. Parrish supervises the pediatric neuropsychology clinic, which offers students the opportunity to see a variety of pediatric patients (ages 3-18). Patients are typically referred by neurologists and local pediatricians, and include patients with epilepsy, head injury, autism spectrum disorders, and a variety of other medical and psychiatric conditions. Students are taught not only how to administer and interpret assessment measure, but how to work with children of varying capability and behavioral presentation in order to obtain the most reliable and valid assessment of functioning. There is also the opportunity to participate in epilepsy surgical conferences and didactic (neurology grand rounds, etc.).

Correlation between gray matter deterioration and cognitive or personality changes in MS patients
Development of new screening and monitoring tests for cognitive changes in MS patients
Relationship between brain-derived neurotrophic factor and neuropsychological defects in MS
Electrophysiological, MRI and neuropsychological impairments in patients with MS and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Treatment of processing speed and attention deficit in MS patients using stimulant medication
Exercise and cognitive dysfunction in healthy aging
Cognitive functioning in pediatric MS and other demyelinating disorders in children
Development of norms for pediatric MS battery

Hours are flexible and may be negotiated. Our environment is rich in educational/didactic experiences within the Jacobs Neurological Institute and the UB Department of Neurology.

Please send letters of interest or other inquiries to:

Dr. Ralph Benedict
Neurology
Suite D-6, Buffalo General Hospital
100 High Street, Buffalo, NY 14203
(716) 859-1403.
E-mail is preferred

UB Undergraduate Students

Students receive independent study credit and participate in cognitive neuroscience research. A year-long commitment required, paid summer work may be available.

UB Graduate Students

We accept students from neuroscience, psychology or counseling psychology, seeking either a MA or PhD degree. Practicum placements or paid positions are available, for students seeking clinical and assessment experience. Students are trained to administer a wide range of psychological and neuropsychological tests (eg intelligence, memory, executive, personality) with a diverse patient population including medical (e.g., HIV, renal disease), neurological (eg, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, traumatic brain injury), and psychiatric (eg, personality disorder, schizophrenia) disorders. Students are encouraged to assist in and develop research initiatives that can be used to foster career development or meet requirements for their degree. Pediatric and adult placements are available.

Research Assistant

Duties include data management, statistical analysis, psychometric testing, and study coordination. Part or full time, salary depends on experience.

Post-doctoral Fellowship

Fellowships are available for either physician or psychology graduates seeking additional research and clinical training in the area of neuropsychology and MS. Dr. Benedict's CV lists publications which show the range of recent research activities.