Adam P. Spira

Adam P. Spira is a Professor in the Department of Mental Health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, with a joint appointment in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. He is a Core Faculty member at the Johns Hopkins Center on Aging and Health and conducts interdisciplinary research at the intersection of sleep, aging, and cognitive health.

• Department: Department of Mental Health
• School: Bloomberg School of Public Health
• Joint Appointment: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine
• Center Affiliation: Johns Hopkins Center on Aging and Health

Education:

• PhD, West Virginia University, 2004
• MA, West Virginia University, 2001
• BA, State University of New York at Stony Brook, 1998
• Phi Beta Kappa Honoree, 1998

Dr. Spira’s research centers on how disturbed sleep acts as a risk factor for cognitive and functional decline in older adults, including Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers. He also investigates the interplay between psychopathology—such as anxiety and depression—and sleep, cognition, and aging-related outcomes. His work integrates epidemiological, neuroimaging, and digital health methodologies to explore preclinical markers of neurodegeneration.

His recent publications reveal a strong focus on circadian rhythms, digital phenotyping, amyloid deposition, and the impact of sleep disorders on brain health. He has contributed to high-impact scientific statements, such as the American Heart Association’s report on sleep and brain health. His research often employs large longitudinal datasets and advanced statistical modeling.

Scientific Awards and Honors:

• Fellow, Gerontological Society of America (2015)
• Barry Lebowitz Early Career Scientist Award, American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry (2013)
• Insomnia Section Investigator Award, American Academy of Sleep Medicine (2013)
• International Junior Investigator Award, International College of Geriatric Psychoneuropharmacology (2009)
• Advising, Mentoring, and Teaching Recognition Award (AMTRA), JHSPH (2013, 2018)
• NIH Loan Repayment Program awardee (2007)
• Licensed psychologist in Maryland (#04619)

Dr. Spira has been actively involved in mentoring and teaching, including courses like Sleep and Public Health. He leads multiple NIH-funded research projects, such as R01 grants on digital signals for dementia detection and sleep apnea treatment. His lab collaborates widely across disciplines and institutions, emphasizing translational public health impact. He also contributes to training programs and professional development initiatives at Johns Hopkins.