Nunzio Pomara, MD

As a geriatric psychiatrist at NYU Langone, I am dedicated to advancing the understanding and treatment of cognitive decline in older adults. My passion for this field was ignited during my residency training when I became intrigued by the potential to prevent and treat Alzheimer’s disease through medical advances. This fascination has driven my commitment to exploring the neurobiological underpinnings of cognitive disorders and developing innovative treatment strategies.

I specialize in managing conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and depression in the elderly, with a particular focus on the interplay between these conditions. With over 20 years of experience, I have conducted extensive research into the mechanisms contributing to cognitive decline. This includes disruptions in cholinergic signaling, alterations in cerebrospinal fluid metabolites, and disturbances in the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis. My work has led to pioneering clinical trials, including the possible use of the glucocorticoid receptor antagonist, mifepristone, in treating Alzheimer’s disease.

Throughout my career, I have been committed to proactive healthcare engagement, collaborating with colleagues to identify novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets. My research has extended to understanding the increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease associated with the apolipoprotein E (APOE)-e4 genotype and its impact on the blood–brain barrier and central cholinergic system. Additionally, I have investigated the relationship between depression and Alzheimer’s disease, providing evidence of altered amyloid beta dynamics in elderly patients with depression and exploring the potential for antidepressant treatments to normalize Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers.

My journey into geriatric psychiatry was inspired by the optimism surrounding medical advances and the potential to make a meaningful impact on the lives of older adults. I pursued this area of interest with a focus on neuropsychopharmacology, driven by a desire to understand the complexities of the aging brain and to develop effective treatments for cognitive decline and related disorders. At NYU Langone, I am proud to be part of a multidisciplinary team dedicated to providing coordinated, comprehensive care for our patients.