Dr. Zachary Miller is a neurologist at the UCSF Edward and Pearl Fein Memory and Aging Center, where he specializes in the diagnosis and care of patients with Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia, and primary progressive aphasia. His work bridges clinical care and research to enhance understanding, facilitate early detection, and improve treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.
Originally from the Washington, D.C. area, Dr. Miller earned his undergraduate degree in molecular biology and fine arts from Haverford College. He conducted research at MIT’s Whitehead Institute before receiving his medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Miller completed his neurology residency at the University of Washington and a fellowship in behavioral and cognitive neurology at UCSF, where he later joined the faculty.
Dr. Miller’s research examines how neurodevelopmental factors and chronic neural environmental insults impact brain network vulnerability to neurodegenerative diseases. His discoveries have revealed novel links between handedness, learning differences, autoimmune disease, seizures, and distinct dementia syndromes—helping to redefine strategies for disease prediction, prevention, and treatment. In recognition of his contributions, he received the 2018 Norman Geschwind Prize in Behavioral Neurology.