Caroline Altaras, PhD
Assistant Professor
Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine
Neurology




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 listed below are automatically derived from MEDLINE/PubMed and other sources, which might result in incorrect or missing publications. Faculty can login to make corrections and additions.

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  1. 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; DOI: 10.1037/rep0000467;
     
  2. 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; DOI: 10.1093/arclin/acac012;
     
  3. Altaras C, Vissichio N, Miller J, Shagalow S, Foley FW. A closer look at the influence of mood and disability on illness intrusiveness in multiple sclerosis. Rehabil Psychol. 2022 Feb; 67(1):100-109. PMID: 35113641; DOI: 10.1037/rep0000393;
     
  4. Miller JR, Altaras C, Vissicchio NA, Zemon V, Portnoy JG, Gromisch ES, Sloan J, Tyry T, Foley FW. The influence of trait mindfulness on depression in multiple sclerosis: potential implications for treatment. Qual Life Res. 2020 Dec; 29(12):3243-3250. PMID: 32613306; DOI: 10.1007/s11136-020-02567-6;
     
  5. Hoffnung G, Portnoy JG, Altaras C, Zemon V, Holtzer R, Picone MA, Foley FW. Motivation in multiple sclerosis cognitive fatigue: An experimental approach. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol. 2019 Nov; 41(9):905-912. PMID: 31382805; DOI: 10.1080/13803395.2019.1626350;
     
  6. Vissicchio NA, Altaras C, Parker A, Schneider S, Portnoy JG, Archetti R, Stimmel M, Foley FW. Relationship Between Anxiety and Cognition in Multiple Sclerosis: Implications for Treatment. Int J MS Care. 2019; 21(4):151-156. PMID: 31474807; PMCID: PMC6709568; DOI: 10.7224/1537-2073.2018-027;
     

This graph shows the total number of publications by year, by first, middle/unknown, or last author.

Bar chart showing 6 publications over 4 distinct years, with a maximum of 2 publications in 2019 and 2022

YearPublications
20192
20201
20211
20222


2021 Morton Berger Memorial: Prize for Excellence in Research
2015-2021 Yeshiva University: Merit-Based Scholarship
2015 University of Pittsburgh: Summa Cum Laude
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