Geriatrician Prescribes Comprehensive Approach For Brain Health

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Sept. 2, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- For a doctor specializing in conditions usually associated with the end of life, internationally known geriatrician Rangaraj Gopalraj, M.D., Ph.D., writes a lot of prescriptions for groceries. Gopalraj – or Dr. Raj, as most people call him – is assistant professor of geriatric medicine at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. But while his primary work and research have centered on dementia in older patients, he also sees patients who are much younger – and prescribes vegetables. Lots of vegetables.

"Modern medicine is good at identifying drugs for various conditions, but we forget about how to promote overall health," says Dr. Raj. "There's plenty of evidence showing how important diet is. Adopting a healthier lifestyle at an early age can lead to less dementia as time goes on."

Dr. Raj writes actual prescriptions for patients to get vegetables either free or at reduced cost through the VeggieRX program, an initiative of the New Roots organization funded by the Humana Foundation. The prescriptions are redeemed at any of seven food banks throughout the Louisville area.

The program fits well with the holistic, multidisciplinary approach at the Institute for Sustainable Health and Optimal Aging at the University of Louisville, where Dr. Raj says patients' quality of life can be significantly improved, including those already suffering from neurological issues.

"We can have a huge impact on patients' lives when we coordinate the work of doctors, nurses, nutritionists, pharmacists, physical therapists and social workers to come up with comprehensive treatment plans."

Gopalraj was recruited to Kentucky as part of the state's Research Challenge Trust Fund, more commonly known as Bucks for Brains, which combines public and private dollars to attract and underwrite the work of leading researchers. A paper he authored about specific factors leading to increased risk of Alzheimer's disease, which shows further correlation between such factors and other chronic health conditions, has been quoted by other researchers more than 30 times.

"I originally thought I would be a full-time researcher, but I missed my patients," said Dr. Raj, who went on to complete fellowships in geriatrics and palliative care and now trains other young doctors. "We have the only geriatric medicine teaching program in the state, and it's a growing need with the aging U.S. population. It's a very underserved area."

SOURCE Dr. Rangaraj Gopalraj, M.D., Ph.D.