Cognitive Disorders
The Vanderbilt Cognitive Disorders Program treats problems with memory, reasoning and orientation. If you or a family member is experiencing these symptoms, it might be due to a cognitive disorder. We’ll identify the problem and create a treatment plan to address it with you and your family.
Cognitive Disorders Appointments
Geriatrics
- Call if over age 75 or age 65-75 and take four or more medications. Our geriatricians are primary care doctors with additional training in conditions common among older adults.
Neurology
- Our neurologists are trained in nervous system disorders, including issues with the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves.
For appointments related to frontotemporal dementia (FTD), multi-systems atrophy (MSA) and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), request an appointment online:
Conditions We Treat
We treat all conditions related to cognitive disorders, including:
- Amnesia
- Corticobasal degeneration
Meet Your Care Team
Lealani Mae Y. AcostaMD, MPH
- Alzheimer's Disease, Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology, Dementia, Mild Cognitive Impairment, Neurology, Neurosciences, Primary Progressive Aphasia
Howard S. KirshnerMD
- Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology, Neurology, Neurosciences, Stroke and Cerebrovascular, Vascular Neurology
Aaron McMurtrayMD, PhD
- Alzheimer's Disease, Dementia, Mild Cognitive Impairment, Neurology, Neurosciences, Primary Progressive Aphasia
Ciaran M. ConsidinePhD
- Clinical Neuropsychologist, Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology, Neurology, Neuropsychology, Neurosciences
Laura Brown CoulamPhD
- Alzheimer's Disease, Clinical Neuropsychologist, Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology, Dementia, Neuropsychology, Neurosciences, Stroke and Cerebrovascular
Kaltra DhimaPhD
- Clinical Neuropsychologist, Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology, Neuropsychology, Neurosciences
Katherine GiffordPsy.D.
- Clinical Neuropsychologist, Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology, General Neurology, Neurosciences, Orthopaedics, Sports Medicine
Douglas P. TerryPhD
- Clinical Neuropsychologist, Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology, Neuropsychology, Neurosciences
Holly K. WesterveltPhD
- Alzheimer's Disease, Clinical Neuropsychologist, Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology, Dementia, Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis, Neurosciences
Why Choose Cognitive Disorders Care at Vanderbilt
- Experienced doctors
Our doctors are board certified in neurology, and our neuropsychologists are board certified in neuropsychology. They are active in cognitive disorder research. You can be confident in their knowledge of the latest treatments and therapies.
- Team approach
We bring together many specialists to cover all aspects of your condition, from physical to psychological needs. Our cognitive disorders team includes neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuropsychologists, psychiatrists, geriatricians, geripsyschiatrists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists and nutritionists.
- Personalized care
We tailor your treatment plan to meet your unique needs and health goals. We help you navigate your treatment options to ensure that you receive the best possible care.
- Innovative research and treatment options
Our doctors are actively involved in ongoing cognitive disorders research, including studies related to Alzheimer’s disease, progressive supranuclear palsy and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). These research efforts play a critical role in our commitment to finding more effective treatments for all types of cognitive disorders.
- Online health portal
We want to make your experience as seamless and stress-free as possible. You can use our secure online portal, My Health at Vanderbilt, to contact your care team 24/7, schedule appointments, manage medications and access your medical records.
Tests, Treatments and Services
We offer a full range of tests, treatments and services, including:
- Address goals of care
- Genetic counseling
- Medication
- Neuropsychological evaluation
- Occupational therapy
- Physical therapy
- Social work support
- Speech and language pathology