Alexander L. Houck, MD

I became interested in the brain at a young age, and over time that interest grew to include neuroscience, medicine, and caring for older adults. Behavioral neurology brought those interests together. Today, as a cognitive and behavioral neurologist at NYU Langone’s Pearl I. Barlow Center for Memory Evaluation and Treatment, I care for people experiencing changes in memory, thinking, personality, and behavior. The part of my work I enjoy most is the diagnostic process: understanding a patient’s symptoms and determining what they can tell us about what is happening in the brain. I have a particular interest in Alzheimer’s disease, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, frontotemporal dementia, Lewy body dementia, and other rare and atypical neurodegenerative disorders.

Changes in memory, thinking, or behavior can create tremendous uncertainty for patients and their families. I listen carefully to the patient and the people who know them best, taking the time to understand not only their symptoms but also who they are and how those symptoms are affecting their lives. I strive to provide as much clarity as possible about the diagnosis, what to expect, and the options available. I want patients and families to leave an appointment feeling heard and with a clear understanding of the next steps.

I am also involved in clinical trials evaluating treatments for Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders. I am excited by the emergence of new therapies and what continued advances in Alzheimer’s disease research may mean for patients and families in the years ahead. As the field continues to evolve, I make it a priority to stay current with the latest research so that I can incorporate new knowledge and treatment advances into my approach to patient care. I also value the opportunity to connect patients with clinical research opportunities when appropriate.

My broader academic interests include epidemiology and global neurology. My epidemiology training shapes how I think about neurologic disease across populations, and my experience performing neurologic evaluations in rural communities in the Dominican Republic has strengthened my commitment to improving the diagnosis and care of neurologic disorders in diverse settings.

Ultimately, my goal is to bring together thoughtful, individualized care, diagnostic expertise, and an understanding of the evolving science to help patients and families navigate the challenges of cognitive disorders.