Caroline Altaras, PhD

Assistant Professor, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine

Biography

Caroline S. Altaras, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical neuropsychologist at Boston Medical Center and Assistant Professor of Neurology at Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine. With extensive experience in a range of complex neurological presentations, including Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, movement disorders, autoimmune conditions, epilepsy, and head injury, Dr. Altaras brings a comprehensive understanding of brain health to her practice. Prior to joining the neurology team at BUMC, Dr. Altaras obtained her Yeshiva University in New York, training at several leading academic medical centers, including Columbia University Medical Center, NYU Langone, and Mount Sinai. She went on to further hone her expertise during her doctoral internship at the University of Florida and postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard Medical Center, with joint training at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital.

In her clinical practice, Dr. Altaras adopts a holistic approach that extends beyond the traditional boundaries of neuropsychology. She recognizes the profound impact of cultural, social, and environmental factors on brain health and functioning. Dr. Altaras integrates these dimensions into her assessment and treatment considerations, acknowledging how cultural values, social support networks, and environmental stressors contribute to an individual's overall well-being. Her commitment to holistic care is evident in her dedication to serving diverse and complex neurological patient populations.

Dr. Altaras' research in neurology delves into the interconnected dynamics of cognitive function, mood, and quality of life. Her research work hse delved deeply into the complex interplay between psychological factors and cognitive outcomes among individuals affected by multiple sclerosis, revealing nuanced associations and potential therapeutic targets. By exploring the intricate relationship between anxiety and cognitive functioning, as well as the role of motivation in cognitive fatigue, her research contributes significantly to our understanding of cognitive dysfunction in MS. Her work extends beyond MS to address broader implications for neurological care, aiming to empower patients with effective strategies to navigate cognitive challenges and enhance overall well-being across diverse neurological conditions.

Publications

  • Published 3/1/2025

    Miner AE, Groh JR, Farris C, Hattiangadi S, Cui A, Brickman AM, Alshikho M, Rabinovici GD, Rosen HJ, Cobigo Y, Asken B, Nowinski CJ, Bureau S, Shahrokhi F, Tripodis Y, Ly M, Altaras C, Lenio S, Stern RA, Rosen G, Kelley H, Huber BR, Stein TD, Mez J, McKee AC, Alosco ML. Does white matter and vascular injury from repetitive head impacts lead to a novel pattern on T2 FLAIR MRI? A hypothesis proposal and call for research. Alzheimers Dement. 2025 Mar; 21(3):e70085. PMID: 40145364.

    Read at: PubMed

  • Published 1/26/2025

    Altaras C, Ly MT, Schultz O, Barr WB, Banks SJ, Wethe JV, Tripodis Y, Adler CH, Balcer LJ, Bernick C, Zetterberg H, Blennow K, Ashton N, Peskind E, Cantu RC, Coleman MJ, Lin AP, Koerte IK, Bouix S, Daneshvar D, Dodick DW, Geda YE, Katz DL, Weller JL, Mez J, Palmisano JN, Martin B, Cummings JL, Reiman EM, Shenton ME, Stern RA, Alosco ML. Dispersion-based cognitive intra-individual variability in former American football players: Association with traumatic encephalopathy syndrome, repetitive head impacts, and biomarkers. Clin Neuropsychol. 2025 Jan 26; 1-29. PMID: 39865747.

    Read at: PubMed

  • Published 1/20/2025

    Ly MT, Altaras C, Tripodis Y, Adler CH, Balcer LJ, Bernick C, Zetterberg H, Blennow K, Peskind ER, Banks SJ, Barr WB, Wethe JV, Lenio S, Bondi MW, Delano-Wood LM, Cantu RC, Coleman MJ, Dodick DW, Mez J, Daneshvar DH, Palmisano JN, Martin B, Lin AP, Koerte IK, Bouix S, Cummings JL, Reiman EM, Shenton ME, Stern RA, Alosco ML. Single- versus two-test criteria for cognitive impairment: associations with CSF and imaging markers in former American football players. Clin Neuropsychol. 2025 Jan 20; 1-25. PMID: 39834028.

    Read at: PubMed

  • Published 10/13/2022

    Vissicchio NA, Altaras C, Seng EK, Swencionis C, Picone M, Foley FW. Illness intrusiveness: A key part of the cognition-mood link in multiple sclerosis. Rehabil Psychol. 2023 Feb; 68(1):43-52. PMID: 36227282.

    Read at: PubMed

  • Published 7/19/2022

    Miller JR, Altaras C, Zemon V, Barr WB, Weinberger AH, Foley FW. Handedness and Cognition in Multiple Sclerosis: Potential Indications for Hemispheric Vulnerability. Arch Clin Neuropsychol. 2022 Jul 19; 37(5):891-903. PMID: 35284930.

    Read at: PubMed

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