Luis D. Medina

Luis D. Medina is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Houston, within the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. He is a licensed clinical psychologist and cultural neuropsychologist specializing in cognitive aging and Alzheimer’s disease in diverse populations. Dr. Medina directs the Collaborative on Aging Research and Multicultural Assessment (CARMA) lab and the NIH-funded ECHAR Network, focusing on equity in aging research.

Education:

• B.A., Psychology – Yale University
• M.S. and Ph.D., Clinical Psychology/Neuropsychology – San Diego State University/University of California San Diego Joint Doctoral Program
• Clinical Internship – West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Medical Center (geropsychology track)
• Postdoctoral Fellowship – University of Colorado School of Medicine (adult clinical neuropsychology)

Dr. Medina’s research centers on cultural neuropsychology, cognitive aging, and Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD), with a focus on health disparities in Hispanic/Latino populations. His work examines the 'Hispanic Paradox' in dementia, develops culturally appropriate neuropsychological assessments, and investigates modifiable risk factors for cognitive decline. He emphasizes community-based participatory research and brain health equity.

His recent publications reflect a strong trend in culturally sensitive cognitive assessment, functional outcomes in neurodegenerative disease, and the socio-cultural determinants of brain health. Key themes include acculturation measurement, performance-based functional assessments, depression screening in older Hispanic adults, and telehealth applications in neuropsychology.

Dr. Medina mentors a diverse team of graduate and undergraduate researchers and teaches courses such as Cognitive Disorders and Lifespan Neuropsychology, Foundations of Neuropsychology, and seminars on Latino health disparities.

Scientific Leadership and Grants:

• Principal Investigator, Collaborative on Aging Research and Multicultural Assessment (CARMA)
• Director, NIH-funded Engaging Communities of Hispanics/Latinos for Aging Research (ECHAR) Network
• Director, Clínica CARMA – a Spanish-language neuropsychology clinic for older adults

He has secured NIH funding to improve diversity in aging research and leads multi-site collaborations to enhance recruitment and retention of underrepresented populations in Alzheimer’s research. Dr. Medina advises several doctoral students in clinical psychology with a neuropsychology concentration and integrates trainees into large-scale research projects.

Laboratories and Clinical Work:

Dr. Medina founded and leads the CARMA lab, which investigates the intersection of culture, cognition, and aging. He also runs Clínica CARMA, which provides comprehensive Spanish-language neuropsychological evaluations for older adults with memory concerns. The clinic operates on a sliding scale and emphasizes accessibility and cultural competence.