Dr. James Noble Named 2024 Recipient of Prestigious Richard Mayeux Award

Dr. James M. Noble, MD, MS, an Associate Professor in the Department of Neurology Division of Aging and Dementia at Columbia University's Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, has been named the 2024 recipient of the Richard Mayeux Award. Established in 2020 in honor of distinguished physician-scientist and Department of Neurology Chair Dr. Richard Mayeux, this annual award recognizes a faculty member that has made an outstanding contribution to patient care, research, and education—the core pillars of the department’s mission.

Dr. Noble began his academic journey by establishing a strong foundation in math and chemistry at Vanderbilt University before attending medical school at Emory University. His extensive medical training took place at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, where he completed his internship in internal medicine, neurology residency (serving as chief resident), and fellowship in neuroepidemiology and behavioral neurology. Dr. Noble is board certified in neurology, behavioral neurology & neuropsychiatry, and public health, making him highly specialized in his field.

“Dr. Noble is a leader among many in our department having substantive roles in clinical care, education, and research, which are truly impressive,” explains a member of the nominating committee. Bilingual in Spanish, Dr. Noble takes a holistic approach to patient care, emphasizing the importance of family dynamics and giving special attention to underserved communities. He is dedicated to caring for patients with dementia, including conducting research on potential lifestyle factors associated with cognitive decline, while also helping those with persistent post-concussive symptoms.

In addition to his busy patient care practice, Dr. Noble is a highly respected educator. He has led Columbia's neurology clerkship and preclinical neuroscience training programs, and is a recognized leader in medical education, having received the American Academy of Neurology’s A.B. Baker Teacher Recognition Award. He is also a member of Columbia’s Virginia Apgar Academy of Medical Educators. Dr. Noble has extended his passion for mentoring to the next generation of scientists through two innovative programs: the NIA-supported Brief Research in Aging & Interdisciplinary Neurosciences (BRAIN) program, which has supported over 250 student projects since 2013, and the ACComPLISHED program, which trains high school students in community health work.

In addition to his clinical and educational roles, Dr. Noble is deeply involved in research focused on potentially modifiable factors for dementia, ranging from periodontal disease in adulthood to sports-related concussion in youth. As director of the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center Clinical Core, he oversees several NIH-supported projects focused on identifying factors that influence cognitive aging and improving public health literacy. “Stepping into his role at the ADRC just before the pandemic, Jamie helped me understand the challenges we were about to face. His guidance allowed us to anticipate each step, ensuring the success of the team and project. Jamie handles challenges gracefully and professionally,” recounts a colleague.

His broader influence in the field of neurology is underscored by his selection as an inaugural member of the AAN’s Emerging Leaders Program and his recognition as a Fellow of the AAN. Dr. Noble is co-editor of the widely respected Merritt’s Neurology textbook, and the author of Navigating Life with Dementia, a guide for caregivers. Beyond academia, Dr. Noble is the co-founder of Arts & Minds, a nonprofit enriching the lives of dementia patients through art.

Columbia Neurology faculty and staff proudly congratulate Dr. Noble on this well-deserved honor!