Claire Clelland, MD, PhD

Dr. Claire Clelland is a neurologist who cares for patients with dementia and cognitive decline, including mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia and Lewy body dementia. She specializes in supporting patients with genetic mutations linked to dementia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), both before and after they have symptoms. She is passionate about working with patients and families to reach a diagnosis and create a tailored treatment plan, and is dedicated to providing holistic and inclusive care to patients from all backgrounds.

Clelland's research focuses on developing new therapies for neurodegenerative diseases, including frontotemporal dementia, Alzheimer's disease and ALS. She studies cells and tissues donated by patients to understand these complex conditions and develop targeted therapies. Her lab is currently developing CRISPR gene editing therapies for ALS and dementias associated with genetic mutations.

After completing a doctoral degree in neuroscience at the University of California, San Diego and a master of philosophy degree in neuroscience at the University of Cambridge, Clelland earned her medical degree from the University of California, Los Angeles. At UCSF, she completed a residency in neurology, as well as a postdoctoral research fellowship at the Memory and Aging Center.

Clelland is committed to advancing social justice and equity in science and medicine. She has had the privilege to mentor students and early career physicians from around the world as they become the next generation of innovative providers and scientists.