Samantha Holden, MD
Behavioral Neurology
Locations
Practice Locations
CU Memory Disorders Clinic - Central Park
720-848-2080
Provider Expertise
Clinical Interest for Patients
I focus on conditions that affect both cognition and movement, primarily Parkinson's disease dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies. I have completed fellowship training in both Movement Disorders and Behavioral Neurology, which laid the foundation for this clinical and research focus.
Care Philosophy
I frequently tell my patients that I know a lot about THE brain, but they know a lot about THEIR brain, and we are therefore teammates in understanding and treating their neurological condition. We focus on practical and meaningful interventions for cognitive health and brain aging together, namely physical activity, diet, social engagement, and humor, not only improve overall quality of life, but to help delay the progression of their neurodegenerative condition.
Specialties
- Behavioral Neurology ( 2016 )
- Neurology ( 2014 , 2024 )
Conditions & Treatments
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Brain and Nervous System
Alzheimer's Disease, Cognitive Changes, Dementia with Lewy Bodies, Lewy Body Dementia, Memory disorders, Memory Loss, Mild Cognitive Impairment, Parkinson's Disease Dementia, Posterior Cortical Atrophy
Interests & Activities
Personal Interests
I enjoy reading historical fiction, especially anything that focuses on Eleanor of Aquitaine, riding my Peloton, and interior decorating.
Education & Training
Medical Schools
MD, The School of Medicine at Stony Brook University Medical Center (2010)
Undergraduate Schools
BS, New York University (NY) (2006)
Graduate Schools
MSCS, University of Colorado Denver (2018)
Internships
Rush University Medical Center Program (2011)
Residency Program
Rush University Medical Center Program (2014)
Fellowships
University of Colorado (2017)
Professional Memberships
Alzheimer's Association International Society to Advance Alzheimer's Research and Treatment, Member
American Academy of Neurology, Member
American Neuropsychiatric Association, Member
Colorado Society of Clinical Neurologists, Member
International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society, Member
Research & Grants
Research Interests for Patients
My research focuses on the development and validation of optimal cognitive outcome measures for use in the clinical care and treatment of neurodegenerative dementias, with a focus on Lewy body dementia. Cognitive assessments must be responsive and adaptable, as well as align well with the priorities of people living with dementia and their care partners. This goal has led me to research less traditional methods of cognitive assessment than paper-and-pencil testing, such as performance-based assessments of activities of daily living, mobile health applications, and wearable devices. In parallel with the development and validation of pragmatic and meaningful outcome measures, my research program also explores complementary therapies for cognition, daily function, and overall wellbeing for people living with neurodegenerative dementias, including neurologic music therapy and cannabis-based therapies.
information for referring providers
Referral Contact Phone
Referring Patients Link
Clinical Interests for Referring Providers
My clinical interests include the overlap between Behavioral Neurology and Movement Disorders, with fellowship training in both sub-specialties. Dementia with Lewy bodies, as well as the neuropsychiatric symptoms of Parkinson's disease, including cognitive impairment, psychosis, apathy, depression and fatigue, are a particular interest. My clinical research focuses on the development and validation of cognitive outcome measures that are ecologically valid and personally meaningful, including measures of cognitively demanding daily functions and posterior cortical symptoms. Complementary treatments of cognitive impairment and related daily function and wellbeing, including neurologic music therapy and cannabis-based therapies, are also a focus. I am the site principal investigator for the University of Colorado's Lewy Body Dementia Association Research Center of Excellence, focusing on providing examplary clinical care, education and outreach, and new research studies for Parkinson's disease dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies.
