PHOENIX (Sept. 4, 2018) – Banner Alzheimer’s Institute welcomes Ganesh Gopalakrishna, MD, the newest dementia specialist providing care to the community. Dr. Gopalakrishna, a psychiatrist by training, realized his interest in caring for dementia patients during a Geriatric Psychiatry Fellowship at Vanderbilt University.
“Majority of people living with dementia tend to experience behavioral symptoms during the course of the illness,” said Dr. Gopalakrishna. “Sleep and mood disturbances are some of the most challenging, yet common problems adding to the burden. I’m looking forward to using my experience in this area to help patients right here in the Valley.”
Originally from Bangalore, India, Dr. Gopalakrishna received his medical degree from Bangalore Medical College and has been in practice for more than 15 years. He formerly practiced at University of Missouri-Columbia where he also received a Master's in Health Administration from this institute. His clinical interests include inpatient psychiatry and use of medical technology in behavioral health.
Dr. Gopalakrishna broke into the tech industry by with the development of MoodTrek™, an app that allows patients to log their moods, sleep patterns, and activity levels between appointments. The app provided psychiatrists access to the data to provide a glimpse into the mood and behavior patterns of patients well beyond what is perceived during an appointment visit. In his new role as a dementia specialist, Dr. Gopalakrishna is excited to support patients and their families through their dementia journey by using innovative approaches and techniques to alleviate varying challenges of the disease.
About Banner Alzheimer's Institute
Through its research and care, Banner Alzheimer’s Institute is dedicated to the goal of ending Alzheimer’s disease without losing another generation. Founded in 2006 by Banner Health, one of the country’s largest nonprofit health care systems, BAI has a three-fold focus: to conduct revolutionary studies in the detection, treatment and prevention of Alzheimer’s; to set a national standard of patient and family care; and to forge scientific collaborations that bring together institutions and disciplines internationally. For more information, visit www.banneralz.org.