Alexandra Ortega, PsyD

Neuropsychology, Alzheimer's and other related dementias

With funding from the Florida Department of Health (FLDOH) and National Institute on Aging (NIA), our team's research has focused on early cognitive changes in individuals at risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD), particularly in underrepresented groups. At the CNSA, our primary objective is to validate and expand cognitive assessment paradigms that are sensitive and specific to AD, with the goal of achieving preclinical detection of the disease among community-dwelling older adults in both cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. Our research aims to develop culturally relevant cognitive measures that are sensitive and specific to this illness and can potentially be used in clinical trials to improve the diagnosis and treatment. My specific contributions to the research have included designing and administering neuropsychological tests, developing and implementing research protocols, conducting data analysis, and presenting research findings at scientific conferences. 

·    1Florida ADRC AlzSTARS (2023-Present)
·    Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Miami (2021-2023)
·    Ed and Ethel Moore Alzheimer's Disease Research Program (2021-2023)
·    Albizu University Presidential Scholarship (2019)  

·    Blue Ribbon Award, American Psychological Association 125th annual convention, Society for Clinical Neuropsychology (Division 40), (2017)  

·    Broward Undergraduate Research Award, Florida Department of Education, (2014) 
·    Distinction through Discovery full funding research grant, Florida Atlantic University, (2013) 
·    Bright Futures scholarship recipient (2010-2014)
 

Dr. Alexandra Ortega is an Assistant Professor at the Center for Cognitive Neuroscience and Aging (CNSA) within the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine. Holding a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in psychology from Florida Atlantic University, she furthered her education with a Master of Science (M.S.) in Clinical Psychology and a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) degree in Neuropsychology from Carlos Albizu University. She completed her internship in Clinical Psychology at the Washington D.C. VA Medical Center and pursued further specialization through a Neuropsychology Fellowship at the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine.
 
In her role at CNSA, Dr. Ortega focuses on advancing our understanding of cognitive disorders by specializing in the development and validation of innovative methods for assessing individuals in the preclinical and prodromal stages of Alzheimer's Dementia and other cognitive disorders. Supported by funding from the Florida Department of Health (FLDOH) and the National Institute on Aging (NIA), CNSA's research targets early cognitive changes in populations at risk for Alzheimer's disease, with a particular emphasis on underrepresented groups. Her research extends to investigating the relationship between cognitive stress tests and neuroimaging markers, offering insights into non-invasive and cost-effective methods for detecting early signs of cognitive decline. Furthermore, Dr. Ortega is deeply committed to mentorship, actively guiding research assistants, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students to foster the next generation of scholars.
 
As a prominent contributor to the field of cognitive neuroscience and aging, Dr. Alexandra Ortega's dedication and continuous efforts solidify her position as a leading figure in advancing our understanding of cognitive disorders and improving diagnostic strategies.