July 22 marks the 12th annual World Brain Day, a global campaign led by the World Federation of Neurology (WFN) to promote brain health across all stages of life. This year’s theme, “Brain Health for All Ages,” emphasizes the importance of neurological care from preconception through late adulthood.

The UAB Heersink School of Medicine is among eight academic medical centers worldwide selected to train a new movement disorder clinician-researcher through the distinguished Edmond J. Safra Fellowship in Movement Disorders for the class of 2028. The fellowship is awarded via the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

Giovanna Pilonieta, Ph.D., DDS, MPH, assistant professor in the UAB Department of Neurology, was recently named one of two 2025 recipients of the McKnight Clinical Translational Research Scholarship in Cognitive Aging and Age-Related Memory Loss. Pilonieta was awarded along with Deborah Rose, M.D., of the National Institutes of Health.

Burt Nabors, M.D., professor in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurology and director of the Division of Neuro-oncology, has been selected as a recipient of the 2025 Excellence in Engagement Award from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN).

The UAB Brain Aging and Memory Clinic opened in spring 2024, marking a new era of care in the field of Alzheimer’s disease and other memory-related disorders for Alabama and the region. One initiative the new space has helped support is clinical trials, bolstering UAB’s status as a performance site for the clinical trials of the most recent generation of anti-Alzheimer therapies. 

A powerful philanthropic partnership is transforming research and treatment of intellectual and developmental disabilities. Before there were MRI machines or CT scans—never mind the possibility of using AI to unlock the mysteries of the human brain—there was Civitan International.

David S. Geldmacher, M.D., FANA, FACP, professor, Warren Family Endowed Chair, Vice Chair for Clinical Affairs, and Director of the Division of Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology in the UAB Department of Neurology, has been appointed to the rank of University Professor. This makes him the first person to hold the rank of University Professor in the 50-year history of the Department of Neurology.

Anthony P. Nicholas, M.D., Ph.D., recently left UAB after spending 29 years as a faculty member in the Department of Neurology. In that time, Nicholas established himself as a leader in the field of movement disorders on both clinical and research fronts, all while acting as a mentor for young neurologists representing medical students, residents, and junior faculty.

Tourette syndrome (TS) often begins in childhood, but for many patients, its challenges and care needs continue into adulthood. From early recognition and behavioral interventions to managing transitions and overcoming adult treatment barriers, TS demands a comprehensive, lifespan approach. At UAB, experts are addressing these needs through a collaborative model that supports patients from childhood through adulthood.

A stroke can strike without warning, and every minute counts when it does. It happens when the blood supply to your brain is cut off, causing severe damage in a short amount of time. While many of us are familiar with the common warning signs (BEFAST), other, often overlooked symptoms could be just as crucial to spotting a stroke early.

The twelfth annual Blazer Bolt for Brain Cancer 5K and Fun Run was held Saturday, May 17, at Railroad Park in Birmingham, Alabama. Despite the thunderstorms that rolled in early Saturday morning, racers still showed up, participated and made the event a success.

Brain tumor symptoms vary widely and can often resemble other common health conditions. Understanding the risks, symptoms and treatment options can help lead to earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.

For one family, a difficult genetic diagnosis sparked a mission. With help from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Hugh Kaul Precision Medicine Institute (PMI), they’re now turning their journey into hope for families worldwide.

On April 28, 2025, Jasmine Thum, M.D., M.S. assistant professor in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery and Department of Biomedical Engineering, hosted a peripheral nerve education course for trainees at UAB. The event offered residents in-depth lectures and anatomic demonstrations of peripheral nerve anatomy, pathology, diagnostic techniques and surgical approaches.

Harrison Walker, M.D., professor in the UAB Department of Neurology, was recently appointed as the Susan and Rodney Barstein Endowed Faculty Scholar in Parkinson’s Disease. The position was established by an endowed gift to UAB from Susan and Rodney Barstein, whose goal is to support innovative research in Deep Brain Stimulation to improve therapy for patients with Parkinson’s disease.

A recent grant award in the Department of Neurology serves to help investigators analyze how a group of brain cells may be responsible for changes to neural circuits that lead to the movement disorder dystonia.

Monica Pasala, M.D., PGY1, joined the UAB Department of Neurology in June 2024. Get to know Dr. Pasala better with three quick questions!

The UAB Medicine Leadership Development Office recently recognized eight individuals in its sixth cohort of Sharing Authentically to Inspire and Lead (SAIL). The spring 2025 graduates were honored at a ceremony on April 8.

The UAB Department of Neurology welcomed Sarah Letang, Ph.D., to the faculty as assistant professor in February 2025.

Seasonal allergies are known for causing congestion, sneezing, and itchy eyes, but for many, they also cause migraines. As the weather changes and pollen fills the air, people prone to migraines often notice their headaches becoming more frequent or intense.