Dr. Amanda Fletcher: A Leader in Cognitive Neurology and Dementia Care

Dr. Amanda Fletcher’s journey into cognitive neurology wasn’t a straight path—it was one shaped by profound encounters with patients and their families, personal experiences, and a deep desire to make a lasting impact.

Initially having envisioned a career in psychiatry, Dr. Fletcher had a pivotal experience during medical school that changed her trajectory. While on a hospice rotation, she met an individual living with ALS whose resilience and grace in the face of his diagnosis left a lasting impression. His passing ignited her curiosity about neurodegenerative diseases, ultimately leading her to pursue neurology—a field where she saw an opportunity to both uncover the mysteries of the brain and improve the lives of those affected by neurological disorders.

Her journey was further influenced by her own family’s struggles with dementia. Dr. Fletcher’s grandfather battled vascular dementia, and her grandmother was later diagnosed with dementia as well. Witnessing the challenges faced by her family reinforced her mission: to close the gaps in dementia care, particularly for communities that have historically been underserved. 

After reviewing research, she discovered Black patients face higher risks of developing Alzheimer’s disease yet are often diagnosed later or not at all. This knowledge motivated her to address disparities in cognitive health and advocate for earlier interventions.

Dr. Fletcher pursued her medical education at Meharry Medical College before completing her neurology residency at Barrow Neurological Institute. She then specialized further, completing a fellowship in Behavioral Neurology and Neuropsychiatry at the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health.

Her dedication to advancing the field led her to become a Principal Investigator and Sub-Investigator for multiple clinical trials in Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment, ensuring that patients have access to groundbreaking research and emerging treatments. She is also a board-certified neurologist and an active member of the American Academy of Neurology.

Despite her extensive clinical expertise, Dr. Fletcher often felt that traditional neurology practice fell short in addressing the full needs of patients and their caregivers. “In a traditional outpatient setting, I never felt like I was doing enough,” she explains. “I could treat the patient, but I wasn’t able to provide real support for the larger family network.” The limitations of in-person care—short appointments, fragmented services, and a lack of caregiver resources—left her searching for a better way to serve her patients.

That search led her to Synapticure, where she now delivers comprehensive, wraparound care that includes not only expert medical treatment but also essential caregiver support. “Here, I can dedicate the same amount of time and care to caregivers as I do to patients,” Dr. Fletcher says. “I understand their stress firsthand as a caregiver myself, and now I have the tools to help them.” Through Synapticure, she ensures that caregivers have access to mental health support, respite care, skills training, and resources that better equip them to navigate the complexities of dementia care.

Dr. Fletcher’s work is deeply personal. She doesn’t just bring clinical expertise to her patients—she brings empathy, understanding, and a commitment to ensuring that both individuals living with dementia and their caregivers receive the care they deserve. Whether through clinical trials, research, or direct patient care, she continues to advocate for a future where high-quality, personalized neurology care is accessible to all.