Overview
1) Epidemiological studies to examine the prevalence and incidence of dementia and cognitive impairment, not dementia (CIND)
2) Studies examining risk and protective factors for dementia and CIND
3) Behavioral genetics of aging and dementia with an emphasis on twin studies
4) Long term outcomes of traumatic brain injury
5) Oral health and cognition in later life
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Professor in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
·
2021 - Present
Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Behavioral Medicine & Neurosciences,
Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences
Professor of Neurology
·
2020 - Present
Neurology, Behavioral Neurology,
Neurology
Faculty Network Member of the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences
·
2014 - Present
Duke Institute for Brain Sciences,
University Institutes and Centers
Recent Publications
Insights from recruiting individuals with mild dementia and care partners for a multi-site oral hygiene intervention
Journal Article Aging and Health Research · September 1, 2025 Background: Maintaining oral health is essential for individuals with dementia, yet they often need support. We sought to identify insights gained during the recruitment process for an intervention designed to teach care partners skills to guide individual ... Full text CiteRacial/Ethnic Differences in the Joint Effect of Edentulism and Diabetes on All-Cause Mortality Risks: A 12-Year Prospective Cohort Analysis.
Journal Article J Public Health Dent · June 17, 2025 OBJECTIVES: Edentulism and diabetes mellitus (DM) are frequently seen among older adults. However, the joint effect of edentulism and DM on mortality was understudied. We aim to examine the joint effect of edentulism and DM on all-cause mortality and to wh ... Full text Link to item CiteSelf-Reported Motor and Nonmotor Symptoms, Prodromal Parkinson's Disease Probability, and Incident Parkinson's Disease in US Farmers.
Journal Article Mov Disord · May 2025 BACKGROUND: Few studies have assessed motor and nonmotor symptoms and the prodromal probability of Parkinson's disease (PD) among farming populations. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to assess self-reported nonmotor and motor symptoms and the prodromal PD probabili ... Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
National Health and Aging Trends Study
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Johns Hopkins University · 2019 - 2029Cognitive Training to Reduce Cognitive Impairment: The PACT Trial
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by University of South Florida · 2021 - 2027Improving the lives of persons living with dementia and their families through person-centered measurement of home time
ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2021 - 2026View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
University of Arizona ·
1986
Ph.D.