By MACY MAXWELL/Staff Writer
The University of Texas at Tyler has received a $2 million gift from the Byers Family Foundation to help establish a center for Alzheimer’s and dementia diagnosis and treatment.
UT System Board of Regents Chairman Kevin P. Eltife of Tyler emphasized the need for specialized physicians in East Texas.
BRIDGE THE GAP
“We intend to help bridge that gap, and we are extremely grateful to the Byers family for their enduring support,” Eltife said in a statement released by the university.
East Texas lacks a neurologist specializing in cognitive-behavioral neurology, which is critical for diagnosing and treating Alzheimer’s and dementia, the announcement of the gift said.
This field focuses on cognitive and behavioral changes caused by neurological conditions.
NEW FACULTY MEMBER
A new School of Medicine faculty member specializing in cognitive-behavioral neurology will start in July, UT Tyler President Dr. Julie V. Philley, announced
“Building a multidisciplinary team of providers specializing in dementia is our immediate priority,” Philley said in the news release.
The new center will operate at the Riter Center on UT Tyler’s North Campus on Highway 271.
REACTION
Laney Hearon, 24, Tyler, shared her thoughts on the new center.
“As someone who has seen Alzheimer’s firsthand, I am glad to see a commitment to support those with the disease,” she said.
Brent Byers, a UT Tyler advisory board member, played a key role in securing the gift. His personal experience with Alzheimer’s in his family influenced the Foundation’s donation.
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