"Every patient has their own unique situation. I enjoy getting to know them and taking a closer look so we don't miss anything in their care."
Neurologist Dr. Sonja Blum helps adults with memory, attention, language, and other cognitive concerns, or who have a family history of dementia and concerned about their risks.
Dr. Blum has always been interested in the function of the brain and how it processes memory. This led her to research mechanisms of long-term memory and to work with patients who have memory problems and other cognitive issues secondary to dementias, traumatic brain injuries and other acquired neurological disorders.
"When there's family history we can look at risk for patients," Dr. Blum said. She can explore answers with genetic testing and provide preventative brain-care plans. Dr. Blum also has expertise in traumatic brain injuries (TBI), including the long-term effects of moderate to severe TBI as well as concussions.
"My role is often associated with delivering bad news," she said. But that initial diagnosis is instead a new beginning. "I work with my patients to shift focus and plan on how they want to improve their quality of life, achieve their goals and enjoy life despite any limitations," Blum said.
She is actively doing research on traumatic brain injury, amnesia, memory disorders and the mechanisms of aging and long-term memory.
Dr. Blum earned her medical degree at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. She completed her neurology residency and behavioral neurology fellowship at the Columbia University Neurological Institute, New York City.