University of Utah - CNC

GM | 5 Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when an aneurysm or weakened blood vessel in the brain ruptures. When this happens in the center of the brain, it can flood the brain's ventricles, blocking the flow of cerebrospinal fluid. The Clear III clinical trial examines the long-term effectiveness of rapidly dissolving excess blood from blocked ventricles by using alteplase, a recombinant tissue plasminogen activator, instead of waiting for blood to drain gradually, which is the currently accepted practice. Enrollment for the Clear III clinical trial closed in February when the 500th patient in this multi- center project was confirmed, but investigation continues. The Clinical Neurosciences Center ranked eighth in overall enrollment among 88 clinical trial sites worldwide. "Our hope is that this study and others like it will demonstrate an improved way to treat patients who have hemorrhagic strokes," says Richard Schmidt, MD, PhD, a cerebral vascular neurosurgeon and Associate Professor of Neurosurgery at University of Utah Health Care. "The Department of Neurosurgery and Department of Neurology are always looking for ways to improve care and push the envelope in the treatment of diseases affecting the brain and spinal cord." For a list of clinical trials being conducted by the Clinical Neurosciences Center, visit utahneurosciences.com and select "Clinical Trials" under "Academics & Research." Ongoing research at the Clinical Neurosciences Center at University of Utah Health Care is helping establish a new standard of care for patients who have hemorrhagic strokes. Since 2005, Norman L. Foster, MD, has been enhancing the quality of care for dementia patients living in the Intermountain West. Dr. Foster serves as the Director of The University of Utah Center for Alzheimer's Care, Imaging and Research (CACIR) and Chief of the Division of Cognitive Neurology at University of Utah Health Care. "CACIR uses a three-pronged approach to treatment—we want care that is precise, proactive, and individually sculpted," Dr. Foster says. "We use imaging, genetic analysis, and high-level neuropsychological assessments to precisely determine the cause of impairment. The next step is to be proactive about preventing, rather than reacting to, the complications of an illness by empowering patients and their families to self-manage the illness. We then tailor care based on the individual needs of patients." CACIR is the only academic dementia program in the region. The integrated, multidisciplinary team of cognitive neurologists, neuropsychologists, health educators, and social workers strives to provide a financially sustainable approach to care that can be adapted by others around the nation. "We use the medical home model, so we coordinate with primary care providers (PCPs) to provide family support and treatment recommendations," Dr. Foster says. "We want to support PCPs, help them identify cognitive problems early, and help families so patients can remain under their care." To refer a patient to CACIR or to speak with a participating physician, call (801) 585-7575. A PIONEER IN CARE Richard Schmidt, MD Norman L. Foster, MD A CLEAR WAY FORWARD FOR HEMORRHAGIC Strok Car >>>>>>> •rs• i th Regio,

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