Leigh Johnson

Leigh Johnson is an Associate Professor in Pharmacology & Neuroscience at the University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNTHSC). She serves as Associate Director of the Institute for Healthy Aging and Director of Clinical and Outreach cores for the Health & Aging Brain among Latino Elders (HABLE) study. Her expertise lies in translational aging research, focusing on cognitive loss in Mexican-Americans and the interplay between depression and cognition. She has developed a depressive endophenotype (DepE) linked to cognitive aging, leading to the DEMO clinical trial for Alzheimer’s prevention.

Education: BSW in Psychology (Louisiana State University), MSW (Louisiana State University), PhD in Social Work (University of Texas at Arlington).

Research focuses on Alzheimer’s disease, mild cognitive impairment, and Hispanic health disparities. Notable projects include the HABLE study (R01AG054073) and the AHEAD 3-45 Study. Over 100 peer-reviewed publications and 36 sponsored projects highlight her contributions to neurology, gerontology, and precision medicine.

Her work spans clinical trials, biomarker research, and community outreach, with grants from the NIA and institutions like USC and UC San Diego. Key collaborations include studies on neurofilament light, selenium’s role in depression, and Parkinson’s disease treatment analysis.