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Brenda Lee Plassman

Professor in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Behavioral Medicine & Neurosciences
2400 Pratt St 6th Floor, Durham, NC 27710
2400 Pratt St 6th Floor, Rm 6012, Durham, NC 27705

Overview


My research interests include the following areas:
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

In the News


Published April 11, 2024
Bridging the Gap in Brain Health Research
Published September 7, 2023
Concussions May Cause Cognitive Declines Later in Life
Published May 7, 2015
War on Alzheimer's: Durham firms lead push in treatment R&D

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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 Cite

Racial/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 Cite

Self-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 Cite
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Recent Grants


National Health and Aging Trends Study

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Johns Hopkins University · 2019 - 2029

Cognitive Training to Reduce Cognitive Impairment: The PACT Trial

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by University of South Florida · 2021 - 2027

Improving 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 - 2026

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Education, Training & Certifications


University of Arizona · 1986 Ph.D.