Daniel O. Claassen, M.D., M.S.

Dr. Daniel Claassen is an Professor of Neurology at Vanderbilt University and a neurologist specializing in the care of patients with neurodegenerative disorders, with particular interest in patients with cognitive dysfunction and movement disorders. He earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia and completed his Neurology residency training at the Mayo Clinic, in Rochester, MN and postdoctoral training at the University of Virginia, in Charlottesville, VA. He is a past recipient of the American Academy of Neurology clinical research training grant, and his work is currently funded by the National Institues of Health. He is the director of the Huntington Disease and Chorea Multidiscipline Clinic at Vanderbilt. Also, he is the Principle Investigator of research studies and clinical trials in Parkinson and Huntington Disease.

Research Summary

Dr. Claassen’s research focus is to understand brain-behavior relationships in the context of the diagnosis and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. His research studies assess therapeutic outcomes in neurodegenerative disorders, using innovative cognitive neuroscience and neuroimaging tools. In Parkinson disease, he examines how dopaminergic medications can alter behavior, and his current studies address cognitive changes that account for impulsive compulsive behaviors. His research uses multimodal imaging studies, including assessments of blood flow (arterial spin labeling), resting state BOLD connectivity, MR spectroscopy, and Positron Emission Tomography, as well as novel cognitive neuroscience tools assessing medication effects on risk, reward-learning, and impulsivity.

Contact

Daniel O. Claassen, M.D., M.S.
Associate Professor of Neurology
Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology and Movement Disorders
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Department of Neurology
1500 21st Avenue South, Suite 2600
Nashville, TN 37212
Office: 615-936-1007
Fax: 615-343-3946