Academic Appointments
- Assistant Professor of Neuropsychology (in Neurology) at CUMC
As a clinical neuropsychologist and researcher, Dr. Leavitt's primary interest lies in understanding cognitive impairment and lifestyle factors that protect against cognitive decline in clinical populations, with a specialization in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). An estimated 50-70% of persons with MS experience cognitive symptoms, and the impact on career, family, and life choices can be challenging. Through comprehensive cognitive evaluations, Dr. Leavitt identifies areas of strength and weakness to guide treatment, provide recommendations, and monitor change over time. She is particularly interested in the impact of modifiable lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and intellectually stimulating activities in preserving healthy cognition.
In her research, Dr. Leavitt investigates neural and neurophysiological candidate biomarkers of cognitive decline in MS. She is also investigating fatigue in MS.
Departmental Appointments
- Department of Neurology
Division of Cognitive Neuroscience
Education and Training
- BS, Cornell University
- PhD, 2009 Graduate School of the City University of New York
- Internship: North Shore Long Island Jewish Health System
- Fellowship: Kessler Institute
Centers / Institutes / Programs
- Neuropsychology Service
- Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center
- Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Care & Research Center
Links
Lab Locations
CUMC/Neurological Institute of New York
710 West 168th Street
New York, NY 10032
NIH Grants
CLINICAL RESEARCH SITES FOR THE NETWORK OF EXCELLENCE IN NEUROSCIENCE CLINICAL TRIALS (NEURONEXT SITES) (U24) (Federal Gov)
Jul 1 2018 - Jun 30 2023
COGNITIVE REHABILITATION IN MS: FROM NEUROSCIENCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE (Private)
Jul 1 2017 - Jun 30 2022
PROTECTION AGAINST COGNITIVE DECLINE IN MS: LONGITUDINAL INVESTIGATION OF RESERVE (Federal Gov)
Jul 11 2016 - Apr 30 2021
ASPIRIN BEFORE EXERCISE: ANTIPYRETIC PRETREATMENT TO REDUCE EXERCISE-INDUCED OVERHEATING AND EXHAUSTION IN RRMS PATIENTS (Federal Gov)
Apr 1 2019 - Mar 31 2021
A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL OF ESUPPORT AS A SOCIAL NETWORK INTERVENTION IN MS (Private)
Mar 1 2018 - Feb 28 2019
BRAIN TEMPERATURE IN MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS: ADVANCING OUR UNDERSTANDING AND TREATMENT OF FATIGUE (Private)
Oct 1 2015 - Sep 30 2016
EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES OF COGNITIVE DYSFUNCTION IN PEDIATRIC MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS (Private)
Apr 1 2015 - Mar 31 2016
RESTING STATE FUNCTIONAL CONNECTIVITY AS A PREDICT (Private)
Aug 1 2014 - Nov 30 2014
