Key Documents
Ruth O'Hara
Academic Appointments
- Associate Professor (Research), Psychiatry & Behavioral Science - VA & Geriatric
Contact Information
- Academic
Offices
Personal Information Email Tel (650) 493-5000 Tel (650) 736-3620
Scientific Focus
Research Interests
Dr. O’Hara’s research aims to identify the physiological markers of neurocognitive impairment in a broad range of late-life disorders, including Mild Cognitive Impairment, Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Late-Life Depression, and Late-Life Anxiety disorders. Using neuroimaging and genetic approaches to investigating the impact of psychological and physiological stress, and more recently sleep disorders, her research aims to: (1) more fully characterize the genetic risk factors and physiological mechanisms underlying normal and pathological cognitive impairment; (2) assist with early identification of those at greatest risk for cognitive decline, and dementia; (3) increase our understanding of the role of cognitive impairment in exacerbating late-life psychiatric disorders; and (4) develop interventions aimed at reducing this impairment.
Publications
- Slower speed-of-processing of cognitive tasks is associated with presence of the apolipoprotein epsilon4 allele. J Psychiatr Res. 2008; (3): 199-204
- Late-life anxiety and cognitive impairment: a review. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2008; (10): 790-803
- Long-term effects of mnemonic training in community-dwelling older adults. J Psychiatr Res. 2007; (7): 585-90
- Serotonin transporter polymorphism and stress: a view across the lifespan. Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2007; (3): 173-5
- Serotonin transporter polymorphism, memory and hippocampal volume in the elderly: association and interaction with cortisol. Mol Psychiatry. 2007; (6): 544-55
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