We are a neuroimaging research laboratory centered around a multidisciplinary clinic where we conduct thorough assessments for the purposes of diagnosing, treating, and monitoring various conditions.
Dickerson Lab
We are a neuroimaging research laboratory centered around a multidisciplinary clinic where we conduct thorough assessments for the purposes of diagnosing, treating, and monitoring various conditions.
Welcome to Dickerson Lab
Welcome to the Dickerson Laboratory of Neuroimaging, a comprehensive clinical-research unit focused on Frontotemporal Degeneration and related disorders, including Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA), Semantic Dementia, Corticobasal Degeneration Syndrome (CBD), Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), Posterior Cortical Atrophy (PCA), FTD-ALS, and related disorders. We also work very actively in the Dickerson Laboratory with patients and families with young-onset and atypical forms of Alzheimer’s disease.
The Dickerson Laboratory aims to develop better knowledge about and diagnosis and treatment of all forms of FTD and related focal dementia syndromes. We provide comprehensive clinical services related to FTD, including diagnostic assessment, second opinions, comprehensive treatment recommendations, education and counseling, and ongoing monitoring.
In addition, specialized services are available in partnership with other local providers when relevant, including genetic counseling and testing, neuropsychological assessment, social work services, occupational/speech/physical therapy, neuropsychiatry, sleep, vision, and hearing assessments. We work in close partnership with other clinicians in the area (including Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Beth Israel Hospital, Jamaica Plain VA Aphasia Research Center, and others). In addition, we work in close partnership with the Association for FTD and the Alzheimer’s Association.
We are happy to discuss specific situations over the phone or by email to determine if a referral is appropriate.
Director’s Message
We appreciate your interest in the work of the Dickerson Laboratory of Neuroimaging. As you can read about in other sections of the website, we provide medical clinical care for patients and families living with Frontotemporal Dementia, Primary Progressive Aphasia, Posterior Cortical Atrophy, atypical AD, and related conditions. We also perform a variety of types of research to try to improve our understanding of these conditions and our ability to provide high-quality care. At the moment, most of the work we do in both of these areas is through video conference technology or in some cases by phone, but as our team becomes vaccinated we have begun resuming research projects safely under a hybrid model, with some remote assessments and some in-person MRI or PET scans or other procedures that require people to come to the hospital clinic or research facility.
I feel tremendously fortunate to lead a talented, creative, resourceful team of professionals who enable the Dickerson Laboratory to strive forward in our mission to improve the field’s understanding of these disorders with the goals of finding a cure and providing comprehensive care and support for patients and families living with these conditions.
Under the circumstances of the global pandemic, we have had to pivot and learn to do things differently. Fortunately, in part with the support of generous philanthropic contributions from our community, we had already been developing innovative methods to assess and track patients’ symptoms using remote technology. We have been able to use these methods to continue to stay connected with our community of patients and families to provide treatment, support, and education, and to meet new patients and families who are coming to us for the first time for an evaluation. Once we get to know new patients and families, we make or confirm the diagnosis and work with the patient and family to develop a care plan. We also offer research opportunities to many patients and families, so that we can work together to learn more to fight back against these diseases. Our team also continues to lead remote support groups and educational forums and holds a number of community events, including our annual Evening of the Arts for FTD Gala (held remotely in October 2020).
Please explore our website to learn more about the work we do. We hope you find it informative, and we welcome any questions you have. If you would like to learn more, please reach out to us.
Best wishes and I hope you stay well.
Brad Dickerson, MD
Director, Dickerson Laboratory of Neuroimaging
Mission and Aim
The mission of the Dickerson Laboratory of Neuroimaging is to improve understanding of Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA), Posterior Cortical Atrophy (PCA), young-onset and atypical Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with FTD, progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), corticobasal degeneration (CBD) and related disorders with the goals of finding a cure and providing comprehensive care of patients and families living with these conditions.
We are an interdisciplinary team of clinicians and researchers who are dedicated to the belief that, through the application of scientific approaches, we will advance our collective understanding of brain function and dysfunction which will ultimately improve our ability to diagnose, monitor, and treat patients with FTD and related disorders.
Funding Sources
Our research is generously funded by the National Institute on Aging, National Institute for Mental Health, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institute of Communication Disorders and Deafness, the Association for FTD, the Krupp Foundation/Tom Rickles Fund, Tau Consortium, and private donors.
Support our Mission
Our clinical research program has benefitted tremendously from the dedication and generosity of so many community members, patients, caregivers and organizations. Philanthropic donations allow us to develop new ideas for treatment, care and a cure for Frontotemporal Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease and related disorders. Every gift is a gift in support of our work and a step closer to a cure.
Learn more about giving a gift to support the clinical research program in the Dickerson Laboratory of Neuroimaging: