Meet the Experts: Susan M. McCurry, Ph.D.

Susan M. McCurry, Ph.D.
Research Professor, Psychosocial and Community Health, School of Nursing, University of Washington
Adjunct Research Professor, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Washington
Investigator, Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, University of Washington
Attending Psychologist, Geriatric and Family Services Clinic, University of Washington

Dr. McCurry is a clinical psychologist specializing in gerontology, and has worked with older adults with memory loss and their families for over 25 years. She received her Ph.D. in clinical psychology in 1991 at the University of Nevada, Reno, and has been at the University of Washington since that time. She is the author of over 70 scientific articles and investigator on 20 federal or foundation grants related to aging and dementia.

Dr. McCurry is a fellow in the Gerontological Society of America. Her research focuses on the development of behavioral interventions for persons with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers, with a special emphasis on treating mood and sleep disturbances. Other research interests include study of cross-cultural and environmental factors affecting rates of cognitive decline in aging, and examination of factors associated with successful aging and maintenance of late-life independence.

She is author of the recent book, “When a family member has dementia: Steps to becoming a resilient caregiver” (2006, Greenwood Press), a practical and positive guide for family and professional caregivers of persons with dementia.

CAREGIVING LINKS

Family Caregiver Alliance: National Center on Caregiving

Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving

National Alliance for Caregiving

National Institute on Aging: Alzheimer's

Alzheimer’s Association