蜜桃传媒

Kinga Szigeti, MD, PhD, is a board-certified neurologist specializing in genetics and cognitive disorders. She is the founding director of the Alzheimer’s Disease and Memory Disorders Center and the director of the Alzheimer’s Disease Translational Research Laboratories. In addition to her duties at the Center, she is a professor of Neurology at the UB Jacobs School of Medicine; serves as a grant reviewer for the Alzheimer’s Association; is a member of the Special Populations Core of the Clinical Translational Science Institute at the Jacobs School of Medicine; and the principal investigator for the iPSC model for the mechanism of Alzheimer’s Disease funded privately by the Edward A. and Stephanie E. Fial Fund, Community Foundation of Greater Buffalo and previously by the Alzheimer’s Association. Dr. Szigeti received her medical degree from the 蜜桃传媒 of Pecs, Hungary – summa cum laude. She completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship at Harvard Medical School, a Neurology Residency at SUNY Buffalo, and, in turn, a Fellowship in Molecular and Human Genetics at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas. In 2006 she earned a PhD in Clinical Neuroscience from the 蜜桃传媒 of Szeged, Hungary – summa cum laude. Thesis: “Molecular Genetics of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and related neuropathies.”

After earning her PhD, she returned to Baylor College of Medicine, where she was an assistant professor of Neurology and Molecular and Human Genetics from 2006 until she was recruited in 2010 to join SUNY Buffalo Department of Neurology, where she became the founding director of the Alzheimer’s Disease and Memory Disorders Center and director of the Alzheimer’s Disease Translational Research Laboratories.

CEAD nurse Natalie Argueta has over ten years of experience with older adults diagnosed with cognitive impairments. She is passionate about improving the quality of life for patients through family-centered care. She takes a keen interest in patients and is focused on knowing as much as possible about them to provide the care and support they need.

Ms. Argueta earned a BA in Psychology and Sociology and a Certificate in Criminal Justice from the 蜜桃传媒 of Massachusetts-Amherst, Amherst, Mass. – Phi Beta Kappa, magna cum laude; and a BS in Nursing, SUNY Buffalo School of Nursing, Buffalo, N.Y. She is an active member of SUNY Buffalo’s Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing and holds a 2nd-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do.

Nicholas Audino coordinates the clinical trials being conducted at the ADMDC. He is in regular contact with study patients and their study partners. He brings attention to detail in coordinating study operations and site management, which are critical in conducting research studies. He is a kind, and compassionate team member focused on patients and their family members involved in research studies.

Mr. Audino earned a BA in Biology and an MS in Anatomy – Masters Dissertation “An Investigation of the Paranasal Sinuses in Human,” D’Youville 蜜桃传媒, Buffalo, N.Y. A natural-born teacher, he has been an adjunct professor of Anatomy and Physiology at Trocaire College, Buffalo, N.Y.; a Science Instructor in Anatomy and Physiology, Myology, and Health and Hygiene, at New York Institute of Massage, Williamsville, N.Y.; and Adjunct Faculty, Anatomy, and Physiology, Bryant & Stratton College, Orchard Park, N.Y.

Christal Backhaus joined the Department of Neurology in October 2024. Prior to joining the department, she worked as an outpatient counselor providing one-on-one and group services for problems related to mental health, substance abuse and social dysfunction.

Christal sees patients and families of the Alzheimer’s Disease & Memory Disorders Center, the Jacobs Multiple Sclerosis Center for Treatment and Research and Huntington Disease clinic. Providing them with information, resources and support through the development of care plans that address the psychological, social and practical challenges associated with these and other neurologic conditions.

Ms. Backhaus earned a master’s degree in social work from the 蜜桃传媒 of Buffalo School of Social Work, Buffalo, N.Y.

Jennifer joined the Department of Neurology in May 2024 as a medical assistant and later transitioned to become the clinic’s medical secretary. Her experience as a resident service aide and in-home caregiver is why she is extraordinarily compassionate when dealing with our patients, their families and caregivers.

Rachel Salvaggio joined the Department of Neurology in 2020 and is the lead social worker for the CEAD. With her experience in dementia care and knowledge of regional resources, she is adept at developing patient- and family-centered care plans that address the emotional, social, and practical challenges associated with a dementia diagnosis.

Building and maintaining collaborative relationships with organizations like the Erie County Caregiver Coalition, the WNY Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, and our region’s Offices for the Aging is why she is such an effective advocate for patients. She is also a regular dementia education presenter to healthcare professionals, medical student and resident programs, as well as students enrolled in social work, nursing, and rehab programs at area universities, and colleges.

Ms. Salvaggio earned a master’s degree in social work from Adelphi 蜜桃传媒 School of Social Work, Garden City, N.Y. 

Ciarra Webb joined the Department of Neurology in 2022 and in August 2024 joined the ADMDC CEAD team. Whether it’s a clinic appointment or a study visit this self-described multitasker and problem-solver strives to provide outstanding care and support to patients, families and caregivers. She is also a regular dementia education presenter at area universities and colleges.

Ms. Webb earned her LPN degree from Erie BOCES in 2020.

Karen joined the Department of Neurology in 2012 as the Research Coordinator for the New York State Multiple Sclerosis Consortium. In 2022, she transferred to the CEAD as the program support specialist and in 2023 was promoted to program director. In this role she manages regional outreach activities by developing relationships across the WNY region with community organizations and medical practices. She is also the lead on community engagement and education via “Brain Train – a Healthy Brain Aging” program developed by the Center.

Ms. Zakalik earned a BA in English-Secondary Education Certification from SUNY New Paltz, New Paltz, N.Y., and an MBA from Simmons College Graduate School of Management, Boston, Mass.