Mary Denise Compton, Ph.D. Psychologist

Clinical Biography

Dr. Denise Compton is a licensed clinical psychologist and geriatric neuropsychologist who specializes in work with seniors, particularly individuals with cognitive disorders, such as Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease, and their families. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Hendrix College, master’s degree from Columbia University, Teachers College, and doctorate from Utah State University. She completed her internship at Tulane University Medical School.

At the UAMS Walker Memory Center of the Thomas and Lyon Longevity Clinic, Dr. Compton is part of the evaluation team providing comprehensive assessments of memory and cognition as well as emotional factors that affect cognition, such as depression, anxiety and stress.  In addition to evaluations, she provides individual counseling to those experiencing the challenges of memory problems in themselves and family counseling for their caregivers.  Finally, she is actively involved in providing educational programs for the public regarding memory/cognitive disorders.

Her goal is to help each patient and family to understand the nature and extent of the problems they are experiencing, as well as to offer recommendations for both medical and lifestyle interventions that can maximize independent functioning, coping and quality of life.

From 1993 – 2010 Dr. Compton provided psychological services in a variety of settings in South Florida.  Prior to coming to UAMS,  Dr. Compton served as Director of the Louis and Anne Green Memory & Wellness Center of Florida Atlantic University where she oversaw a variety of programs and services for persons with mild and moderate cognitive impairment.  These included a Memory Disorder Clinic offering comprehensive memory evaluations; caregiver education, counseling, and support; a driver assessment program; an adult day center, and a variety of research projects.

Dr. Compton has served as co-investigator on a number of research projects, including:  In-home Cognitive Retraining for Individuals with Early-stage Alzheimer’s Disease, Functional Communications for Persons with Early-stage Alzheimer’s Disease, Couples Face the Challenge of Mild Memory Problems, and Adherence to Treatment Recommendations of Persons with Mild Alzheimer’s Disease.

Dr. Compton is a member of the American Psychological Association, the National Association of Neuropsychologists and the International Society to Advance Alzheimer’s Research and Treatment.