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Alexandra B. Nelson

MD PhD

Neurologist
Neuroscientist and outdoor enthusiast

Dr. Alexandra Nelson is a neurologist who cares for patients with disorders that affect both movement and cognition, such as Huntington's disease, spinocerebellar ataxia and atypical parkinsonism. She also works closely with her patients' families. She is a member of the clinical and research team at UCSF's Memory and Aging Center and Huntington's Disease Clinic, designated a center of excellence by the Huntington's Disease Society of America.

As both a neuroscientist and a behavioral neurologist, Nelson is particularly interested in understanding neurodegenerative movement disorders, conditions in which progressive nerve-cell degeneration can diminish mental as well as physical function. Her laboratory team studies the cells and circuits involved in movement disorders. Her research seeks to distinguish brain regions, cells and patterns of brain activity that promote normal movement from those that produce abnormal movement, allowing development of more focused treatments.

Nelson earned her medical degree and a doctorate in neuroscience at the University of California, San Diego, where she studied cerebellar motor learning. She then completed a residency in neurology at UCSF and a postdoctoral fellowship at the Gladstone Institutes, where she investigated specific neurological circuits involved in Parkinson's disease and dystonia, or abnormal muscle tone.

Nelson joined the UCSF faculty in 2014. She is the Richard and Shirley Cahill Endowed Chair in Parkinson's Disease Research. She belongs to the Society for Neuroscience, American Neurological Association, International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society and Huntington Study Group.

  • Education

    UC San Diego, Ph.D., Neuroscience, 2006

    UC San Diego School of Medicine, 2006

  • Residencies

    UCSF, Neurology, 2010

  • Fellowships

    Gladstone Institutes, 2014

  • Board Certifications

    Neurology, American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

  • Academic Title

    Associate Professor

Working with families as they cope with neurodegenerative disease is an honor and a privilege, motivating my work in both lab and clinic.

Where I see patients (1)

    My reviews

    4.9

    Overall Experience
    66 Ratings
    About our process
    Nov 12, 2023
    I have been a patient of Dr. Alexandra Nelson for more then eight years and believe she really cares about my cognition....!!!
    Jul 03, 2023
    Still waiting for final report
    Jul 02, 2023
    Lucky to have the best treatment in the world at this clinic with Dr. Nelson.
    May 05, 2023
    I loved all the women, they were liike my personal pit crew
    Apr 16, 2023
    I have been a patient of Dr. Alexandra Nelson for many years. She is a critical component for evaluating my cognition ad any changes.
    Dec 16, 2022
    As always showing great sincere kindness, patience and professionalism
    Sep 23, 2022
    Dr Nelson was caring, an excellent listener, knowledgeable, and took all the time that was needed. I can't speak highly enough about her. She is one of the best doctors I've ever seen. Very warm and personal
    Jul 15, 2022
    All doctor and nurse

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