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Department of Clinical and Health Psychology College of Public Health and Health Professions
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Brittany DeFeis

Brittany DeFeis,

Postdoctoral Associate

Department: Department of Clinical and Health Psychology
Business Phone: (352) 294-8318
Business Email: bdefeis@ufl.edu

About Brittany DeFeis

Brittany DeFeis, Ph.D. is a Postdoctoral Associate within the Center for Cognitive Aging and Memory. Currently, she is involved in various studies at the intersection of metabolism, cognition, and aging. Clinically, she conducts neuropsychological assessments in adults with various medical, neurological, neurodegenerative, neurodevelopmental, and psychiatric conditions.

Dr. DeFeis received her Bachelor of Arts (Russian and Eurasian Studies) from Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, Massachusetts. Her subsequent experiences in the fields of diplomacy and veterans services pushed her towards a career in clinical psychology. Following post-baccalaureate work in psychology at Columbia University, she worked as a research coordinator at the Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City where she coordinated two large-scale cognitive aging studies on cognitive reserve. During this time she received her Master of Science degree from Teacher’s College at Columbia University in Neuroscience and Education.

Dr. DeFeis earned her Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology (Neuropsychology Track) from the University of Florida, where she also completed her Clinical Internship.

Dr. DeFeis is broadly interested in examining the neuroanatomical and functional outcomes of various cognitive, medical, and behavioral interventions in pathological cognitive decline, delaying the onset of dementia, and exploring potential targets for intervention. She is especially interested in the role of diet and metabolism in cognitive aging.

Teaching Profile

Courses Taught
2019
PSB4934 Special Topics in Physiological Psychology
2022
CLP6528C Measurement, Research Design, and Statistical Analysis in Clinical Psychology II

Clinical Profile

Areas of Interest
  • Borderline personality disorder
  • Dementia
  • Generalized anxiety disorder
  • Major depression
  • Psychoeducational and Neuropsychological Assessment

Research Profile

Areas of Interest
  • Alzheimer’s Disease
  • Behavioral intervention
  • Cognitive interventions
  • Exercise & Lifestyle Interventions
  • Exercise and nutrition
  • Metabolism
  • Mild cognitive impairment

Publications

Academic Articles
2023
Procedural learning, declarative learning, and working memory as predictors of learning the use of a memory compensation tool in persons with amnestic mild cognitive impairment.
Neuropsychological rehabilitation. 33(7):1278-1303 [DOI] 10.1080/09602011.2022.2089697. [PMID] 35749375.
2 citations · PubMed · Publisher’s Site
2022
Behavioral Interventions in Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI): Lessons from a Multicomponent Program.
Neurotherapeutics : the journal of the American Society for Experimental NeuroTherapeutics. 19(1):117-131 [DOI] 10.1007/s13311-022-01225-8. [PMID] 35415779.
7 citations · PubMed · Publisher’s Site
2021
Latent Factor Structure of Outcome Measures Used in the HABIT® Mild Cognitive Impairment Intervention Programs.
Journal of Alzheimer's disease : JAD. 84(1):193-205 [DOI] 10.3233/JAD-210582. [PMID] 34511501.
2 citations · PubMed · Publisher’s Site
2021
Memory Support System training in mild cognitive impairment: Predictors of learning and adherence.
Neuropsychological rehabilitation. 31(1):92-104 [DOI] 10.1080/09602011.2019.1667833. [PMID] 31538854.
9 citations · PubMed · Publisher’s Site
2021
Procedural Learning in Individuals with Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Dementia: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
Neuropsychology review. 31(1):103-114 [DOI] 10.1007/s11065-020-09449-1. [PMID] 32897482.
20 citations · PubMed · Publisher’s Site
2021
Psychometric properties of the self-efficacy for managing mild cognitive impairment scale.
International journal of geriatric psychiatry. 36(1):174-181 [DOI] 10.1002/gps.5411. [PMID] 32830353.
8 citations · PubMed · Publisher’s Site
2020
Functional ability is associated with higher adherence to behavioral interventions in mild cognitive impairment.
The Clinical neuropsychologist. 34(5):937-955 [DOI] 10.1080/13854046.2019.1672792. [PMID] 31608773.
14 citations · PubMed · Publisher’s Site
2019
Reduced Awareness of Memory Deficit is Associated With Increased Medicare Home Health Care Use in Dementia.
Alzheimer disease and associated disorders. 33(1):62-67 [DOI] 10.1097/WAD.0000000000000287. [PMID] 30531365.
7 citations · PubMed · Publisher’s Site
2019
Self-Efficacy Mediates the Association Between Physical Function and Perceived Quality of Life in Individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment.
Journal of Alzheimer's disease : JAD. 68(4):1511-1519 [DOI] 10.3233/JAD-181020. [PMID] 30909227.
7 citations · PubMed · Publisher’s Site
2018
Assessing Dependency in a Multiethnic Community Cohort of Individuals With Alzheimer’s Disease.
Innovation in aging. 2(1) [DOI] 10.1093/geroni/igy011. [PMID] 29795795.
5 citations · PubMed · Publisher’s Site
2017
Increased Reporting Accuracy of Alzheimer Disease Symptoms in Caribbean Hispanic Informants.
Alzheimer disease and associated disorders. 31(4):328-334 [DOI] 10.1097/WAD.0000000000000199. [PMID] 28557843.
7 citations · PubMed · Publisher’s Site

Education

Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
2017-2024 · University of Florida
M.S. in Neuroscience and Education
2015-2017 · Teachers College, Columbia University
Post Baccalaureate Studies in Psychology
2013-2014 · Columbia University
B.A. in Russian and Eurasian Studies
2006-2010 · Mount Holyoke College

Contact Details

Phones:
Business:
(352) 294-8318
Emails:
Business:
bdefeis@ufl.edu
Addresses:
Business Mailing:
PO Box 100165
 GAINESVILLE FL 32610
Business Street:
1600 SW ARCHER RD
 GAINESVILLE FL 32610