Ruth M. O'Hara, Ph.D. Dr. O'Hara's research focuses on the integration of biological, genetic and psychological approaches to cognitive aging and aims to: (1) more fully elucidate the mechanisms underlying normal and pathological cognitive decline; (2) assist with early identification of those at greatest risk for dementia, and (3) develop interventions for reducing cognitive decline in normal aging and dementia. Her current work includes an investigation of the relationship among sleep disordered breathing, APOE genotype, and cognition.

Positions

• Associate Director, Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC): VISN 21: Sierra Pacific Network, Department of Veterans Affairs, Palo Alto, CA
• Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine
• Director, National VA Special Fellowship in Advanced Psychiatry and Psychology, Department of Veterans Affairs, Palo Alto, CA

Education

• Ph.D., 1993, University of Southern California, Experimental Psychology

Relevant Publications

• O'Hara R, Sommer B, Way N, et al. Slower speed-of-processing of cognitive tasks is associated with presence of the apolipoprotein e4 allele. J Psychiatr Res. 2008;42(3):199-204.
• O'Hara R, Brooks JO, Friedman L, Schroder CM, Morgan KS, Kraemer HC. Long-term effects of mnemonic training in community-dwelling older adults. J of Psychiatr Res. 2007;41(7):585-590.
• O'Hara R, Hallmayer JF. Serotonin transporter polymorphism and stress: a view across the lifespan. J of Gerontol: Ser B, Psychological Sci and Soc Sci. 2007;62(1, special issue):11-18.
• O'Hara R, Schroder CM, Mahadevan R, et al. Serotonin transporter polymorphism, memory and hippocampal volume in the elderly: association and interaction with cortisol. Mol Psychiatry. 2007;12:544-555.
• O'Hara, R. Stress, aging, and mental health. Am J of Geriatr Psychiatry. 2006; 14(4):295-298.