Robert Jr Laforce

Dr. Robert Laforce is a renowned physician and researcher in behavioral neurology, affiliated with the CHU de Québec–Université Laval Research Center. As an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine, he also holds the Research Chair in Primary Progressive Aphasias – Lemaire Family Foundation. His academic and professional journey reflects a deep commitment to research and teaching in the field of neuroscience.

After earning his PhD in neuropsychology in 1998, Dr. Laforce began his academic career as an Assistant Professor in cognitive neuroscience at the University of New Brunswick. This initial step laid the foundation for his career by exploring the complex interactions between cognition and neurology. He later chose to pursue medicine, specializing in neurology at the Hôpital de l’Enfant-Jésus in Québec. This medical training enriched his expertise and allowed him to combine theory and practice in the study of degenerative diseases.

In 2011, Dr. Laforce completed a fellowship in frontotemporal dementias at the Memory and Aging Center at the University of California, under the supervision of Dr. Bruce Miller. This fellowship was a pivotal moment, during which he conducted advanced research in functional imaging, particularly using FDG-PET and amyloid-PET techniques, in collaboration with Dr. Gil Rabinovici. These international experiences strengthened his reputation and expertise in the field of neurocognitive disorders.

Dr. Laforce’s research focuses primarily on cognitive neurology, with a particular interest in degenerative brain diseases. He strives to develop innovative methods for the early identification and differential diagnosis of atypical neurocognitive disorders. To this end, he designs cognitive assessment tools (DCQTEST.ORG, QUOCO.ORG, MoCA-Language) and uses molecular imaging techniques. His involvement in national and international consortia, such as the Genetic Frontotemporal Dementia Initiative and the Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network, reflects his commitment to collaborating with other experts to advance research in this field.

Dr. Laforce co-leads the neurology course at the Faculty of Medicine at Université Laval, contributing to the training of the next generation of neurologists. With his team, he has developed the APP Platform, a reference tool on primary progressive aphasias, which serves as a valuable resource for clinicians and researchers.

As an author, he has published over 250 scientific articles in prestigious journals such as JAMA, Lancet Neurology, Brain, and Alzheimer Research and Therapy. He has also written a book and several chapters on neurocognitive disorders, sharing his knowledge and discoveries with both the scientific community and the general public.

In summary, Dr. Robert Laforce is a prominent figure in behavioral neurology, whose contributions to research and education continue to significantly impact the understanding and treatment of neurocognitive disorders. His passion for research and dedication to education make him an inspiring leader in his field.