Cognitive Neurologist
Assistant Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School
Assistant Scientist at the Institute for Aging Research, Hebrew SeniorLife
Educational History:
BS, Neurobiology and Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
PhD, Pharmacology, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
MD, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
MA, M.M.Sc, Clinical Science, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
Brief Narrative:
Dr. Fong joined the staff of the Cognitive Neurology Unit in 2004. She received her medical and graduate degrees from The Ohio State University College of Medicine, and subsequently trained in Neurology, with additional training in Behavioral Neurology, at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. She received board certification in Neurology in 2003. Her clinical practice focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of patients with dementia. Dr. Fong notes that her patients and their families are her greatest source of inspiration. Working with them motivates her research efforts to better understand the causes of cognitive decline and dementia, and ultimately, to find better ways to treat and prevent these conditions.
Research Interests:
Dr. Fong’s research interests focuses on examining changes in the brain due to aging and age-related diseases. She is currently involved in a number of projects that are studying the inter-relationship between delirium (acute confusional state, often precipitated by hospitalization, infection, electrolyte imbalances) and dementia (a condition causing insidious and progressive memory loss), two of the most common causes of cognitive impairment in the older population. Dr. Fong and her colleagues are examining the long-term cognitive outcomes in patients following an episode of delirium. They are also evaluating whether preclinical Alzheimer’s disease pathology is a marker of brain vulnerability to delirium, and whether delirium triggers or accelerates dementia pathophysiology.
Personal Interests/Hobbies:
Dr. Fong enjoys baking, cooking, traveling, and of course, her husband and three children