Alissa Butts

Dr. Alissa Butts is an Associate Professor in the Department of Neurology, Division of Neuropsychology at the Medical College of Wisconsin. She is also a member of both the Neuroscience Research Center and the Wisconsin Institute of NeuroScience (WINS) at MCW. Her academic appointment reflects her dual expertise in clinical neuropsychology and neuroscience research.

Dr. Butts' research interests span several critical areas in cognitive neuroscience and clinical neuropsychology. She focuses extensively on Alzheimer's Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment, investigating structural brain changes like cortical thickness and hippocampal volumes in relation to cognitive performance. Her work also addresses the neurocognitive effects of cancer treatments, examining how chemotherapy and radiation therapy impact cognitive function in cancer patients and survivors. Additionally, she has made significant contributions to understanding Primary Progressive Aphasia and related speech and language disorders.

Analysis of Dr. Butts' publication record reveals a strong emphasis on both clinical research and training in neuropsychology. Her recent work shows increasing focus on training standards and practicum education, highlighted by her co-founding of the North American Association of Practicum Sites in Neuropsychology (NAPSN). She has conducted important surveys on trainee experiences during the pandemic, demonstrating responsiveness to current challenges in clinical training.

Dr. Butts has established herself as a leader in neuropsychology training and education. Her involvement with student competitions through the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology (AACN) and her development of NAPSN demonstrate her commitment to advancing the field through high-quality training experiences.

Her collaborative approach is evident in her numerous multi-institutional publications, particularly those involving researchers from Mayo Clinic (evidenced by co-authors like Jack CR Jr, Petersen RC, and others). This suggests strong connections within the broader neuropsychology research community.