Deborah Barnes

Dr. Deborah Barnes is a Professor at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine and a leading expert in the epidemiology of brain health, cognitive decline, and dementia. Her research focuses on identifying modifiable risk factors, developing dementia prediction models, and testing behavioral interventions to delay cognitive impairment progression. With over 160 peer-reviewed publications in top journals like JAMA, NEJM, and Lancet Neurology, her work has established foundational evidence for global dementia prevention strategies.

• Education:
  • B.A. in Human Biology, Stanford University (1988)
  • Certificate in Science Writing, UC Santa Cruz (1991)
  • M.P.H. in Epidemiology & Biostatistics, UC Berkeley (1995)
  • Ph.D. in Epidemiology, UC Berkeley (2001)
  • Certificate in Implementation Science, UCSF (2014)

Dr. Barnes pioneered the Preventing Loss of Independence through Exercise (PLIÉ) program, which combines procedural memory training with mindfulness for dementia patients, and co-founded Together Senior Health (now Linus Health) to commercialize its digital version. She developed the eRADAR algorithm for EHR-based dementia screening and the Brain Health Toolkit for public education. Her articles reveal trends in: traumatic brain injury and dementia, telehealth implementation, health disparities, and advance care planning.

Scientific Awards:

• VA Innovators Award (2017)
• K01 Career Development Award, NIA (2005)
• Alzheimer's Association Student Award (2003)
• Paola Timiras Award for Research on Aging (2001)
• National Research Service Award, NIMH (2000)

Dr. Barnes has mentored trainees across all levels and secured NIH, VA, DoD, and Alzheimer's Association funding to develop scalable interventions like telehealth physical therapy, advance care planning tools, and dementia risk prediction algorithms. Her work bridges clinical research with public health policy, emphasizing implementation in real-world settings.