Cognitive Disorder and Dementia
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
Cognitive disorders—such as mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia—are common in older adults and can affect memory, thinking, behaviour, and daily functioning. These conditions have many underlying causes, most commonly Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and often place a significant burden on individuals, families and carers. Early and accurate diagnosis is increasingly important as new disease‑modifying treatments become available.
OUR APPROACH
Our Chapter brings together geriatricians, neurologists, neuroradiologists, neurosurgeons, pathologists, clinical psychologists, and nurses to provide comprehensive evaluation of patients, optimal treatments and close monitoring of treatment outcome including adverse effects.
This team works jointly to support people with:
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memory decline
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other cognitive symptoms such as difficulty in execution and language
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behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia e.g. anxiety, depression, agitation, aggression
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Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative diseases causing cognitive impairment
By combining clinical expertise and coordinated care, we aim to support better understanding, earlier detection and better‑informed management decisions for people with cognitive disorders and dementia.
INTEGRATING CARE AND RESEARCH
Clinical experience and research developments facilitate one another throughout this Chapter’s work.
Current programmes include:
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Development and validation of blood biomarkers for earlier and more accurate diagnosis in local populations
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Advanced neuroimaging research to understand disease progression and monitor treatment response in Alzheimer’s disease
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Exploration of non‑invasive neurostimulation techniques, such as transcranial pulse stimulation, as potential treatment options
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Coordination of care for AD patients receiving anti‑amyloid therapies, supported by multidisciplinary monitoring of treatment outcomes and adverse effects
This approach helps to ensure that emerging evidence, technologies and diagnostic tools benefit patient care.
OUR TEAM
Chapter Lead
Professor Koon Ho Chan
Clinical Professor, Henry G Leong Professor in Neurology, Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, HKUMed
Honorary Consultant, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong
Key member
Dr Yat Fung Shea
Consultant Geriatrician, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong
Honorary Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, HKUMed
Key member
Dr Ka Chun Chiu
Consultant Geriatrician, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong
Honorary Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, HKUMed
Key member
Professor Henry KF Mak
Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Diagnostic Radiology, School of Clinical Medicine, HKUMed
Clinical Neuroscience Consortium