Overview
1) Investigation of factors related to care of epilepsy patients in Uganda, Africa to inform capacity building and infrastructure strengthening efforts. Studies have involved a pursuit of understanding the cultural context and its impact on health care delivery and utilization.
2) Development and psychometric validation of neuropsychological and behavioral instruments.
3) The effect of psychological interventions on the abilities and adjustment of dementia patients and those at-risk for developing neurodegenerative illnesses such as Alzheimer's disease. Interventions include modified cognitive (mnemonic; organizational) strategies, and traditional psychotherapy (dynamic and behavioral).
2) Development and psychometric validation of neuropsychological and behavioral instruments.
3) The effect of psychological interventions on the abilities and adjustment of dementia patients and those at-risk for developing neurodegenerative illnesses such as Alzheimer's disease. Interventions include modified cognitive (mnemonic; organizational) strategies, and traditional psychotherapy (dynamic and behavioral).
Current Duke Appointments & Affiliations
Professor in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
·
2026 - Present
Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Adult Psychiatry & Psychology,
Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences
Professor in Neurosurgery
·
2026 - Present
Neurosurgery,
Neurosurgery
Professor in Neurology
·
2026 - Present
Neurology, Behavioral Neurology,
Neurology
Senior Fellow in the Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development
·
1996 - Present
Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development,
Institutes and Centers
Affiliate, Duke Global Health Institute
·
2021 - Present
Duke Global Health Institute,
University Institutes and Centers
Recent Scholarly Works
Explanatory models of epilepsy: key deterrents to seeking biomedical care and effective epilepsy management in Uganda.
Journal article Epilepsy Behav · July 4, 2026 BACKGROUND: The Sub-Saharan region has one of the largest populations with misconceptions about the etiology, manifestation, and management of epilepsy. Consequently, the majority of people living with epilepsy (PWE) receive unorthodox interventions that c ... Full text Link to item CiteCommunity perspectives and recommendations to reduce epilepsy stigma and enhance effective management of epilepsy in Uganda: A qualitative study.
Journal article Epilepsy Behav · July 2026 BACKGROUND: The Intersectoral Global Action Plan (IGAP) for Epilepsy and other Neurological Disorders aims to improve access to quality care, including diagnosis, treatment, and support services for people with epilepsy (PWE). Adolescents with epilepsy (AW ... Full text Link to item CiteEvaluating the Duke Iterative Cognitive Examination Against the Montreal Cognitive Assessment: Validity and Clinical Utility.
Journal article Neurol Clin Pract · June 2026 BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Rapid and valid cognitive screening tools are a mainstay of clinical practice in the assessment of mild cognitive impairment and dementia. Although there are several available tools, there is concern for reduced sensitivity over ... Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
Accelerating Neuroscientific Discovery through Brain Health Research in Rwanda
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Fogarty International Center · 2024 - 2029RECOVER Infrastructure Modification 11 (Yr 3)
ResearchInvestigator · Awarded by Research Triangle Institute International · 2022 - 2027Epilepsy in Uganda: Clinical characterization and co-morbidities, their relation to stigma among adolescents and impact of a community-based intervention
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Makerere University College of Health Sciences · 2021 - 2026View All Grants
Education
Alliant International University - California School of Professional Psychology ·
1993
Ph.D.