Dr. Alex Speers is an assistant professor in the OHSU Department of Neurology, and a clinical researcher interested in the use and safety of botanical dietary supplements for cognitive health in older adults.

Dr. Speers has clinical training as a naturopathic physician and masters training in integrative medicine research and clinical research. He started at OHSU in 2019 after residency, joining Dr. Amala Soumyanath’s lab where he received training in botanical medicine research as part of the BENFRA Botanical Dietary Supplements Research Center.

Given the widespread use of botanical dietary supplements, Dr. Speers believes that conducting rigorous clinical research is needed to assess the safety and therapeutic effects of these products. Specifically, he is interested in investigating botanical dietary supplements with a reputed effect on cognitive health in older adults. His NIH-funded research focuses on the botanical Withania somnifera, better known as ashwagandha. Dr. Speers recently completed a pharmacokinetic study of ashwagandha in older adults to better understand how this botanical may work in the body.

In addition to his botanical research, Dr. Speers is currently studying the use of digital cognitive assessments in older adults with and without amyloid positivity, in collaboration with the Oregon Center for Aging & Technology (ORCATECH). Dr. Speers also works on the STELLA family of studies at OHSU, investigating ways to help families caring for those with dementia.