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Clinical Trials & ResearchThe Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health’sclinical trials program is among the largest inthe country for Alzheimer’s disease. We haveconducted more than 70 trials in Parkinson’sdisease, MS, Alzheimer’s disease, memorydecline and normal cognition. Additionally,we offer investigator-led studies, includinga study of repeated head trauma in activeand retired professional fighters. We offeropportunities to participate in researchregardless of where individuals receiveneurological care.WHAT ARE CLINICAL TRIALS? Clinical trials are research studiesconducted on people to determine whethertreatments are safe and effective. There are many types of clinical trialsspanning treatment, diagnosis,prevention, screening, observationand quality of life. Clinical trials are a required step towardFDA approval of new drugs, and thus arethe only way to find new treatments or acure for brain disease.WHY SHOULD I GET INVOLVED? To contribute to the effort of findingmore effective treatments forneurological disease To gain access to potential treatmentsbefore they are widely availableBE A HEROYour participation in clinical trials couldmake a difference for your family and yourcommunity. More information on clinicaltrials is available at 855.LOU.RUVO andat clevelandclinic.org/NevadaResearch.OUR PEOPLENEUROLOGYMarwan Noel Sabbagh, MD, FAANCamille and Larry Ruvo Chair for Brain HealthDirector, Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Centerfor Brain HealthDr. Marwan Sabbagh, a boardcertified geriatric neurologist,has dedicated his career tofinding a cure for Alzheimer’s.Dr. Sabbagh is a leadinginvestigator for many prominentnational Alzheimer’s preventionand treatment trials and has published morethan 300 peer-reviewed articles. He earned hismedical degree from the University of Arizonain Tucson, and received his residency trainingin neurology at Baylor College of Medicineand his fellowship in geriatric neurology anddementia at the University of California, SanDiego. Dr. Sabbagh was with the Banner SunHealth Research Institute and subsequentlyBarrow Neurological Institute prior to joiningCleveland Clinic in 2018.Jeffrey Cummings, MD, ScDDirector, Center for Neurodegenerationand Translational NeuroscienceDirector Emeritus, Cleveland ClinicLou Ruvo Center for Brain HealthProfessor, Cleveland Clinic LernerCollege of MedicineRanked the sixth-most prolificAlzheimer’s researcher by theJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease,Dr. Jeffrey Cummings is theauthor of 43 books and760 peer-reviewed articles.He is a respected clinician, aneuroscientist with expertise in clinical trialsand drug development, and a forward-thinkingstrategist concerning how to deliver optimalcare to the growing number of patients withneurodegenerative disorders. He has expertisein clinical trial design and analysis, global trialimplementation and trial outcome measures,and has been recognized with the Alzheimer’sAssociation Research Award.Carrie M. Hersh, DO, MScStaff Neurologist, Cleveland Clinic MellenProgram for MS at the Lou Ruvo Centerfor Brain Health, Las VegasAssistant Director, MS Wellness ProgramDr. Carrie Hersh completedher neuroimmunologyfellowship and adult neurologyresidency at Cleveland Clinicand a master’s degree inclinical research at CaseWestern Reserve University.She graduated with honors from NovaSoutheastern University College of OsteopathicMedicine and is a member of Phi BetaKappa. Dr. Hersh is particularly interested inoutcomes-based research for MS therapeutics,health and wellness, and is a lead investigatorfor multiple MS studies and clinical trials.Le Hua, MDDirector, Cleveland Clinic MellenProgram for MS at the Lou Ruvo Centerfor Brain Health, Las VegasSheila and Eric Samson Chair forMultiple Sclerosis ResearchDr. Le Hua earned her MDat Keck School of Medicineat the University of SouthernCalifornia. Subsequently,she completed her internshipat Banner Good SamaritanMedical Center in Phoenix andher neurology residency at Stanford UniversitySchool of Medicine. She went on to completea clinical fellowship in euro-immunology andMS at the Barrow Neurological Institute andSt. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center inPhoenix. Dr. Hua is involved in clinical trialsassessing new therapies for the treatment ofMS and her research interests include usingadvanced MRI techniques to study MS andneurological disorders, as well as aging andcognition in MS.Zoltan Mari, MD, FAANDirector, Parkinson’s andMovement Disorder ProgramRuvo Family ChairDr. Zoltan Mari is aboard-certified neurologistfellowship-trained in movementdisorders at the NationalInstitutes of Health. He isan internationally recognizedParkinson and movementdisorder specialist, who directed the JohnsHopkins Movement Disorder Center beforejoining Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Mari has authored100 peer-reviewed articles and serves inmultiple leadership roles in internationalParkinson and movement disorder journalsand professional organizations. He is co-directorof the Cleveland Clinic Parkinson’s FoundationCenter of Excellence.Jenny Nguyen, MSN, APRN, FNP-CNurse Practitioner,Movement Disorders TeamJenny Nguyen is a boardcertified family nursepractitioner. She receivedher Bachelor of Sciencein nursing from RosemanUniversity of Health Sciencesin 2013 and received herMaster of Science in nursing — family nursepractitioner from the George WashingtonUniversity in 2017.

NEUROPSYCHOLOGY/PSYCHOLOGYOdinachi Oguh, MDStaff Neurologist, Movement Disorders TeamDr. Odinachi Oguh is a boardcertified movement disorderneurologist. She graduatedsumma cum laude from hermedical school, finished herneurology residency at theUniversity of Illinois and apost graduate movement disorder fellowshipat Northwestern University. Prior to joiningCleveland Clinic in 2019, she spearheadedthe Movement Disorders Program at theUniversity of Florida, focusing on clinicalresearch programs, deep brain stimulationpre-surgical evaluation, Botox managementand community outreach. Dr. Oguh’sresearch interests lie in novel drug targetsfor Parkinson’s disease.David Oliphant, PA-CPhysician Assistant, Multiple Sclerosis TeamDavid Oliphant earned hisBachelor of Science summacum laude from Austin PeayState University in 2007and received a Master ofScience in physician assistantstudies from the Universityof Kentucky in 2011. Mr. Oliphant movedto Las Vegas from Indianapolis, wherehe practiced in a hospital-basedneurosurgical group.Kelly Papesh, DNPManager, Advanced Practice ProvidersNurse Practitioner, Movement Disorders TeamDr. Kelly Papesh earned herDoctorate in Nursing Practiceand is a certified family nursepractitioner who managespatients with Parkinson’sdisease, tremor, Huntington’sdisease, and ataxia amongother movement disorders. She has skilledtraining in management of advancedprocedures such as botulinum toxin injections,deep brain stimulation and Duopa. Dr. Papeshis a member of the Movement Disorders Societyand American Academy of Neurology.Aaron Ritter, MDStaff Physician, Cognitive Disorders TeamDr. Aaron Ritter receivedhis Bachelor of Arts at theUniversity of WisconsinMadison and obtained hismedical degree from theUniversity of Colorado.He completed an internshipin pediatrics and residency training inpsychiatry at the University of Arizonain Tucson, followed by a two yearfellowship in Behavioral Neurology andNeuropsychiatry at the Cleveland Clinic.His research interests include advancingtreatment of neurodegenerative diseasesand studying the effects of repetitive headtrauma from sports.Simrit Kaur Saraon, MSN, APRN, DNPNurse Practitioner,Cognitive Disorders TeamSimrit Saraon is a board-certified family nurse practitioner.She earned her bachelor’sdegree in general science,education and nursing. Shehas been an educator for 11years and a registered nurseworking with patients with Alzheimer’s andother dementias for five years. Dr. Saraoncompleted both her Master of Science anddoctorate in nursing at from Duke University.Jiong Shi, MD, PhD, FAANDirector, Clinical Trials ProgramNormal Pressure Hydrocephalus andClinical Dementia SpecialistCognitive Disorders TeamDr. Shi is a board certifiedneurologist specialized indementia and other cognitivedisorders. He completedhis residency and fellowshipat University Hospitals ofCleveland and earned adoctorate in pharmacodynamics at University ofFlorida. Dr. Shi focuses his research on findingnovel biomarkers and therapeutic agents forAlzheimer’s disease and has published morethan 70 peer-reviewed papers. He was withBarrow Neurological Institute prior to joiningCleveland Clinic in May 2020.Maileen Ulep-Reed, MSN, APRN, FNP-BCNurse Practitioner,Cognitive Disorders TeamThe American Association ofNurse Practitioners awardedMaileen Ulep-Reed with theprestigious NP State Award forExcellence for Nevada in 2018.She graduated cum laude withher BS in nursing and a minorin anthropology; MS in nursing, family nursepractitioner; and post-master’s certificate innursing education, all from the University ofNevada Las Vegas, where she is currentlypursuing a PhD. Her research seeks to betterunderstand the impact of neurodegenerativedisorders on language.Dylan Wint, MDLas Vegas Legacy NeuroscienceEducation ChairDirector, EducationDirector, Clinical OperationsCognitive Disorders TeamDr. Dylan Wint is boardcertified in neurology andpsychiatry. He was educatedat Stanford, Universityof Miami, University ofFlorida and the NationalInstitutes of Health.Jessica Z.K. Caldwell, PhD, ABPP/CNDirector, Neuropsychology TrainingDirector, Women’s Alzheimer’s MovementPrevention Center at Cleveland ClinicDr. Jessica Caldwell is a clinicalpsychologist specializing inneuropsychology. Her graduatetraining at the University ofWisconsin-Madison focusedon behavioral correlates offunction and structure of medialtemporal lobe brain regions. She completedan internship at Harvard Medical School andfellowship at Brown University. Her researchinterests include sex differences in Alzheimer’sdisease, brain imaging data quality andAlzheimer’s disease prevention.Lucille Carriere, PhDStaff Health PsychologistAngie Ruvo Endowed Caregiving ChairDr. Lucille Carriere is aclinical psychologist specializingin health psychology. Shecompleted her graduate trainingat Auburn University, aninternship through VanderbiltUniversity and the VeteransAffairs Medical Center in Nashville, TN, anda fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic MellenCenter for Multiple Sclerosis. Prior to joiningthe Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, sheworked in geriatric primary care and providedpsychotherapy for individuals and caregiversliving with neurodegenerative disorders andcomplex medical conditions. She is interestedin outcomes research related to caregivers.Justin B. Miller, PhD, ABPP/CNDirector, NeuropsychologyDr. Justin Miller is a clinicalpsychologist with specializationin neuropsychology andrehabilitation. His graduatetraining at Wayne StateUniversity in Detroit focused onrecovery of function followingneurological injury. He completed his internshipand fellowship at the UCLA Semel Institute forNeuroscience and Human Behavior, where heworked with a complex neurological populationincluding movement disorder, brain tumor,epilepsy and neurodegenerative disease patients.Christina G. Wong, PhDStaff NeuropsychologistDr. Christina Wong earnedher doctorate in clinicalpsychology, with specializationin neuropsychology, at WayneState University. She completedher internship and fellowship atUCSD/VA San Diego where shefocused on assessment of neurodegenerativedisorders including Alzheimer’s disease,movement disorders, and vascular dementiain individuals with co-occurring medical andpsychiatric conditions. Her research interestsinclude early detection of cognitive disorders.

NEUROREHABILITATION: PHYSICAL,OCCUPATIONAL AND SPEECH THERAPYLeah Fisher, MA, CCC-SLP, MSCSSpeech-Language PathologistLeah Fisher received herundergraduate degree inspeech pathology from theUniversity of LouisianaLafayette and a master’sdegree in communicationdisorders from LouisianaState University. Ms. Fisher has worked with avariety of communication, voice, cognitive andswallowing disorders. She is Lee SilvermanVoice Therapy (LSVT) Loud certified as wellas a SPEAK OUT! certified provider. She isalso a Multiple Sclerosis Certified Specialist(MSCS) for speech pathology.Jason Longhurst, PT, DPT, NCS, MSCS, CDPPhysical TherapistDr. Jason Longhurst is aboard-certified neurologicclinical specialist. He receivedhis bachelor’s degree inexercise science from BrighamYoung University and hisdoctorate in physical therapyfrom the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.Dr. Longhurst has completed advancedtraining in the management of Parkinson’sdisease, multiple sclerosis, cognitivedysfunctions and vestibular disorders, andis conducting research on neurodegenerativedisorders to further the knowledge baseof the physical therapy profession.Trevor Mahoney, PT, DPT, MSCS, CDPPhysical TherapistDr. Trevor Mahoney receiveda bachelor’s degree in humanmovement science from UtahState University and a doctoratein physical therapy fromthe University of Nevada,Las Vegas. He has completedadvanced training in the management ofParkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, dementiaand balance, including certification as a Tai JiQuan: Moving for Better Balance instructor.Madisen Mendez, MOT, OTR/L, MSCS, CDPOccupational TherapistMadisen Mendez receivedher bachelor’s degree inFitness Management fromPurdue University Calumetin Northwest Indiana anda master’s degree inoccupational therapy fromGovernors State University. Ms. Mendezpreviously worked in a geriatric settingproviding care for patients with a varietyof diagnoses, however, her passion tospecialize in neurodegenerative disordersled her to the Cleveland Clinic.SOCIAL WORKShaina Meyer, OTR/L, MSCS, CDPManager, Rehabilitation ServicesShaina Meyer receivedher bachelor’s degreein psychology with anemphasis in biologyfrom Westminster Collegein Missouri and a master’sdegree in occupationaltherapy from St. Louis University.While at the Lou Ruvo Center forBrain Health, Ms. Meyer has becomea Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery(PWR!)-certified therapist, MultipleSclerosis-Certified Specialist andCertified Dementia Practitioner, and hasspoken at the Neurotherapeutics forRehabilitation course.Matthew Plourde, PTA, CDPPhysical Therapist AssistantMatthew Plourde earnedhis Associate of AppliedScience at the Collegeof Southern Nevada.He has been an activepracticing board-certifiedPTA in the Las Vegas Valleyfor more than 20 years, with extensivebackground in orthopedic physicaltherapy rehabilitation. Since joiningCleveland Clinic in 2015, Mr. Plourdehas continued his studies in neurologicaldisease processes and has become aParkinson Wellness Recovery (PWR!)certified therapist.Christy Ross, PT, DPT, GCS, MSCS, CDPPhysical Therapist, CDPDr. Christy Ross is aboard-certified geriatricclinical specialist inphysical therapy.She completed herdoctorate in physicaltherapy at CreightonUniversity and a postdoctoral geriatricresidency program at the Universityof Delaware. Dr. Ross continued herstudies from the University of Michiganin Advanced Clinical DementiaPractice. She has specialized trainingin Parkinson’s disease, is a MultipleSclerosis Certified Specialist, and isa Certified Dementia Practitioner.Ruth A. Almén, LCSWClinical Manager, Social Work ServicesRuth Almén received herBachelor of Arts in psychologyfrom Wittenberg University inOhio and her master’s degreein social work from TempleUniversity. She has extensiveexperience with nonprofit socialservice agencies, community collaborationand program development. Ms. Alménco-facilitates support groups, works directlywith individuals and families, and collaborateswith local agencies.Sandy Chapman, LSW, MSCSCase ManagerSandra Chapman receivedher bachelor’s degree in socialwork summa cum laude fromNorthern Michigan University.Ms. Chapman worked in familydynamics, case managementand regional substance abuseservices in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan;her outreach team has been nationallyrecognized for successful outcomes.At the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health,Ms. Chapman coordinates the Major José M.Fajardo Patient Services program servingpatients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.Michelle Pester, MSW, LSW, ACHP-SWCase ManagerPrior to completing herMaster of Social Work atthe University of Nevada,Las Vegas, Michelle Pestergraduated with a Bachelor ofArts in psychology at HawaiiPacific University. She also hasadditional training in Hospice and PalliativeCare. Ms. Pester is retired from the Army.Alysson Thewes, LCSWClinical Social WorkerAlysson Thewes earnedher Bachelor of Social Work(2009) and Master of SocialWork (2011) at the Universityof Nevada, Las Vegas.Certified in equine assistedpsychotherapy, she obtainedher clinical licensure while practicing at aninpatient psychiatric facility in Oregon.Ms. Thewes currently provides counselingto patients and caregivers at the Lou RuvoCenter for Brain Health.Becky Wellman, PhD, LPMT, MT-BCMusic TherapistDr. Becky Wellman holds aBachelor of Arts from HiramCollege, a Master of Music fromOhio University, and a PhD fromCapella University. She is aMusic Therapy Fellow, aCertified Dementia Practitioner,and is adjunct instructor of Human Servicesspecializing in elder studies at Ivy TechCommunity College of Indiana.

Contact UsAbout UsCleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health888 West Bonneville Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89106To schedule an appointment, call 702.483.6000For information on clinical trials,contact 855.LOU.RUVO orvisit clevelandclinic.org/NevadaResearchFor a list of no-cost education, therapeutic and supportprograms, visit clevelandclinic.org/NevadaEventsTo support our work, please contact 702.263.9797or DonateNevada@ccf.orgTo learn more about our center, visitclevelandclinic.org/Nevada or keepmemoryalive.orgCleveland ClinicCleveland Clinic is a nonprofit multispecialty academic medical centerthat integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education.Located in Cleveland, Ohio, it was founded in 1921 by four renownedphysicians with a vision of providing outstanding patient care based uponthe principles of cooperation, compassion and innovation. ClevelandClinic has pioneered many medical breakthroughs, including coronaryartery bypass surgery and the first face transplant in the United States.U.S. News & World Report consistently names Cleveland Clinic as oneof the nation’s best hospitals in its annual “America’s Best Hospitals”survey. Among Cleveland Clinic’s 67,554 employees worldwide are morethan 4,520 salaried physicians and researchers, and 17,000 registerednurses and advanced practice providers, representing 140 medicalspecialties and subspecialties. Cleveland Clinic is a 6,026-bed healthsystem that includes a 165-acre main campus near downtown Cleveland,18 hospitals, more than 220 outpatient facilities, and locations insoutheast Florida; Las Vegas, Nevada; Toronto, Canada; Abu Dhabi,UAE; and London, England. In 2019, there were 9.8 million totaloutpatient visits, 309,000 hospital admissions and observations, and255,000 surgical cases throughout Cleveland Clinic’s health system.Patients came for treatment from every state and 185 countries.Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain HealthCleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, which opened in2009, provides expert diagnosis and treatment for individuals and familiesliving with Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy body, frontotemporal and otherdementias; Parkinson’s and Huntington’s disease, multiple system atrophyand other movement disorders; and multiple sclerosis. With locations inCleveland, OH; Weston, Florida and headquarters in Las Vegas, Nevada,the center offers a continuum of care with no-cost opportunities for thecommunity to participate in education and research, including diseaseprevention studies and clinical trials of promising new medications.An integrated entity, Keep Memory Alive, raises funds exclusively insupport of the Nevada location. clevelandclinic.org/Nevada.Exit 41BKeep Memory Alive Event CenterFrom the mind of world-renownedarchitect Frank Gehry, the breathtakingKeep Memory Alive Event Center is asiconic as it is unique. The event centeris available for rent by the public, and aportion of revenue generated supportsthe Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health.KMAEventCenterLasVegas.com or702.263.9797.Keep Memory Alive100% of funds raised by Keep MemoryAlive support the Lou Ruvo Centerfor Brain Health’s work in advancingbrain science for the benefit of ourcommunity. NV Energy supports oureducation programs. You, too, can helpus foster a brain span that matches ourlifespan. keepmemoryalive.orgJoin Our TableLove celebrity chefs and good food?Like to eat well and do good? If you’renot already receiving information aboutKeep Memory Alive’s events that arefilled with food, fun and feel-good,please contact us and join our mailinglist. Learn more about the purposebehind the party. 702.263.9797 orspecialevents@keepmemoryalive.orgrev. June ‘20

in nursing from Roseman University of Health Sciences in 2013 and received her Master of Science in nursing — family nurse practitioner from the George Washington University in 2017. OUR PEOPLE Clinical Trials & Research The Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health's clinical trials program is among the largest in the country for Alzheimer's disease.