A new institute that hopes to provide access to clinical research trials and improve detection and treatment of dementia and multiple sclerosis in Hawai'i will open in September.

The Neuroscience Institute of the Pacific, to be located in the Kuakini Physicians Tower at the Kuakini Medical Center, will be headed by Dr. James Pierce, a neurologist at The Queen's Medical Center who will retire from his practice later this year to devote his energy to the institute.

Dr. Daniel Bandari, an assistant professor of neurology at the University of Southern California, will serve as co-medical director, while Keoni Kealoha Devereaux Jr., executive director of the Epilepsy Foundation of Hawaii, will serve as chief administrator.

"I've been concerned, and other people as well, about the need for a center where we can really focus on certain disease processes that have been underserved in Hawai'i," said Pierce, who has practiced locally for 30 years.

He said the institute will be a place where these patients can be evaluated and also a venue where patients can participate in research studies that are only available on the Mainland now.

Pierce said about 800 to 1,000 people are afflicted in Hawai'i with multiple sclerosis, a neurological disease that affects the central nervous system with no known cure.

According to the Aloha Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, at least 28,000 have Alzheimer's or related dementia.

Pierce said the institute has a year's worth of funding from a group that includes Teva Neuroscience.

State Rep. John Mizuno, D-30th (Kamehameha Heights, Kalihi Valley, Fort Shafter), said he believes the institute will be an asset extending beyond the care and expertise it will provide to patients. He said neurologists in Hawai'i as well as those in the Pacific will benefit from the educational resources that are planned.

"This is a benefit for the state and the Pacific Rim," said Mizuno, who is scheduling a joint meeting of the state senate and house health committees Tuesday for a briefing by the institute.

Pierce said Bandari, who also serves as associated director of the Multiple Sclerosis Comprehensive Care Center and Research Group, will fly to Hawai'i periodically to consult on difficult to diagnose patients and help with treatment recommendations.

Pierce said Bandari, as well as the institute, will help bring the latest research data and diagnostic techniques to the state.

"I really don't want to compete with the private practitioner," Pierce said. "We want to supplement the services."

Reach Greg Wiles at gwiles@honoluluadvertiser.com.