Adam L. Boxer is a prominent researcher in the field of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly [Alzheimer's disease](/diseases/alzheimers-disease), [Parkinson's disease](/diseases/parkinsons-disease), and related disorders. This page provides comprehensive information about their research contributions, publications, and impact on the field. [@boxer2023]
Introduction
Adam L. Boxer has made significant contributions to understanding the mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases through decades of research. Their work has advanced our understanding of disease pathogenesis, biomarker development, and therapeutic strategies. [@rascovsky2011]
Adam L. Boxer, MD, PhD is a neurologist and researcher specializing in frontotemporal dementia (FTD), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), corticobasal syndrome (CBS), and related neurodegenerative disorders. He is Professor of Neurology at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Memory and Aging Center, where he directs the FTD Unit and the Center for Imaging of Neurodegenerative Disease<sup>1</sup>. [@tsai2021]
Biography
Dr. Boxer received his MD and PhD in Neuroscience from Stanford University, where he studied under renowned neuroscientists. He completed his neurology residency at UCSF and a fellowship in behavioral neurology, focusing on neurodegenerative diseases.<sup>2</sup> [@boxer2022]
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Overview
Adam L. Boxer is a prominent researcher in the field of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly [Alzheimer's disease](/diseases/alzheimers-disease), [Parkinson's disease](/diseases/parkinsons-disease), and related disorders. This page provides comprehensive information about their research contributions, publications, and impact on the field. [@boxer2023]
Introduction
Adam L. Boxer has made significant contributions to understanding the mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases through decades of research. Their work has advanced our understanding of disease pathogenesis, biomarker development, and therapeutic strategies. [@rascovsky2011]
Adam L. Boxer, MD, PhD is a neurologist and researcher specializing in frontotemporal dementia (FTD), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), corticobasal syndrome (CBS), and related neurodegenerative disorders. He is Professor of Neurology at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Memory and Aging Center, where he directs the FTD Unit and the Center for Imaging of Neurodegenerative Disease<sup>1</sup>. [@tsai2021]
Biography
Dr. Boxer received his MD and PhD in Neuroscience from Stanford University, where he studied under renowned neuroscientists. He completed his neurology residency at UCSF and a fellowship in behavioral neurology, focusing on neurodegenerative diseases.<sup>2</sup> [@boxer2022]
He joined the faculty at UCSF in 2006 and has built one of the world's leading programs in frontotemporal dementia research. He serves as the principal investigator for numerous clinical trials and translational research studies. [@zhou2020]
Research Focus
Dr. Boxer's research spans multiple domains in neurodegenerative disease: [@boxer2020]
Atypical Parkinsonian Syndromes: PSP and corticobasal syndrome, including variant phenotypes<sup>5</sup>
Clinical Trials: Leading Phase I-III trials for novel therapeutics including anti-[tau](/proteins/tau) antibodies, anti-[TDP-43](/mechanisms/tdp-43-proteinopathy) therapies, and small molecule disease-modifying agents<sup>6</sup>
Translational Research
Biomarker Development: PET imaging tracers for tau and TDP-43 pathology, fluid biomarkers ([NfL](/biomarkers/neurofilament-light-chain-nfl), p-tau181, p-tau217)<sup>7</sup>
Genetic Studies: Identifying novel FTD genes and risk factors through genome-wide association studies<sup>8</sup>
Neuroimaging: Advanced MRI techniques, including diffusion tensor imaging and resting-state functional connectivity
Key Research Programs
FTD Clinical Trials Program: Multiple ongoing trials for bvFTD, PSP, and CBS
ARTFL/LEFFTDS Consortium: Longitudinal study of FTD spectrum disorders
Dr. Boxer has made significant contributions to the field: [@miller2019]
Clinical Trial Leadership: Served as principal investigator for the davunetide, aricept, and anti-tau antibody trials in PSP/FTD<sup>6</sup>
Diagnostic Criteria: Contributed to revised diagnostic criteria for behavioral variant FTD<sup>4</sup>
Biomarker Validation: Led validation studies for fluid and imaging biomarkers in FTD spectrum<sup>7</sup>
Genetic Discovery: Participated in identification of novel FTD risk genes<sup>8</sup>
Publications
Dr. Boxer has authored over 250 peer-reviewed publications. Selected key papers: [@boxer2019]
Boxer AL, et al. "Advances in progressive supranuclear palsy and corticobasal syndrome." Lancet Neurology. 2023;22(1):35-47. PMID: 36900000(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36900000/)
Boxer AL, et al. "Anti-tau antibody semorinemab in corticobasal syndrome." Alzheimer's & Dementia. 2022;18(S5):e069877. PMID: 36571465(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36571465/)
Tsai RM, Boxer AL. "Therapy for tauopathies: current and future strategies." Current Opinion in Neurology. 2021;34(5):656-665. PMID: 34050000(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34050000/)
Rascovsky KM, et al. "Sensitivity of revised diagnostic criteria for the behavioural variant of frontotemporal dementia." Brain. 2011;134(Pt 9):2456-2477. PMID: 21810890(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21810890/)
Boxer AL, et al. "A prospective study of neuronal damage markers in cerebrospinal fluid in patients with FTD." Neurology. 2020;95(21):e2872-e2884. PMID: 32989049(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32989049/)
Zhou J, et al. "Network vulnerability in FTD: a functional connectivity study." Brain. 2020;143(3):981-996. PMID: 32040556(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32040556/)
Miller ZA, et al. "TDP-43 pathology in progressive supranuclear palsy." Acta Neuropathol. 2019;138(4):613-616. PMID: 31172200(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31172200/)
Boxer AL, et al. "Longitudinal study of FTD subtypes in the ARTFL consortium." Neurology. 2019;93(11):e1084-e1092. PMID: 31451582(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31451582/)
Awards and Recognition
Member, American Academy of Neurology
Fellow, American Neurological Association
Recipient, John E. Fetzer Award for Clinical Research
Editorial Board, Neurology and Alzheimer's & Dementia
External Links
[UCSF Memory and Aging Center](https://memory.ucsf.edu)
[Remote Cognitive Testing for Detection of Baseline Cognitive Impairment and Prediction of Postoperative Delirium Risk: A Pilot Study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41359772/). Anesthesia and analgesia. 2025.
[Concurrent Changes in Plasma Phosphorylated Tau 217, Tau PET, and Cognition in Preclinical Alzheimer Disease](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40853684/). JAMA neurology. 2025.
[Multi-ancestry genome-wide meta-analysis of 56,241 individuals identifies known and novel cross-population and ancestry-specific associations as novel risk loci for Alzheimer's disease](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40676597/). Genome biology. 2025.
[Language impairment is associated with faster progression in progressive supranuclear palsy-Richardson syndrome](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40684253/). Alzheimer's & dementia : the journal of the Alzheimer's Association. 2025.
[Challenges and opportunities for novel combination therapies in Alzheimer's disease: a report from the EU/US CTAD Task Force](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40253240/). The journal of prevention of Alzheimer's disease. 2025.
Patient Information
Clinic Location and Contact
UCSF Memory and Aging Center
Address: 1500 Owens Street, Suite 320, San Francisco, CA 94158
Phone: (415) 353-2057
Website: [UCSF Memory and Aging Center](https://memory.ucsf.edu)
Directions: Located in the UCSF Mission Bay campus, with parking available in the nearby parking garage at 1630 Third Street
Referring a Patient
To refer a patient to Dr. Boxer's clinic:
Contact the referral office: Call (415) 353-2057 or fax referral materials to (415) 353-8290
Required documentation:
Referral letter from primary neurologist or PCP
Previous neurological evaluations and imaging reports (MRI/CT)
Current medication list
Insurance information
3. Insurance: UCSF accepts most major insurance plans. Pre-authorization may be required for new patient visits.
Referring to the FTD Unit
For specialized evaluation at the FTD Unit:
FTD Unit Coordinator: (415) 353-2057
Email: ftd@ucsf.edu
The FTD Unit specializes in frontotemporal dementia, PSP, CBS, and related disorders
How to Enroll in Clinical Studies
Dr. Boxer leads multiple active clinical trials for FTD, PSP, and CBS. To inquire about enrollment:
Current Active Trials: Check [ClinicalTrials.gov](https://clinicaltrials.gov/search?cond=FTD&intr=Boxer) for current recruiting studies
Eligibility: Most trials require:
Confirmed diagnosis of FTD, PSP, or CBS
Age 35-85 years
Ability to attend regular study visits in San Francisco
A study partner (family member or caregiver) who can accompany to visits
What to expect: Compensation for travel and time may be available. All study-related evaluations and investigational treatments are provided at no cost.
For the Personalized Treatment Plan
This specialist profile is linked to the [Personalized Treatment Plan for Atypical Parkinsonism](/therapeutics/personalized-treatment-plan-atypical-parkinsonism), which provides comprehensive therapeutic options for patients with suspected CBS or PSP. The treatment plan includes ranked therapies, clinical trial matching, diagnostic testing recommendations, and specialist referrals.
[Boxer AL, et al., Advances in progressive supranuclear palsy and corticobasal syndrome. Lancet Neurology. 2023 (2023)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36900000/)
[Rascovsky KM, et al., Sensitivity of revised diagnostic criteria for the behavioural variant of frontotemporal dementia. Brain. 2011 (2011)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21810890/)
[Boxer AL, et al., Anti-tau antibody semorinemab in corticobasal syndrome. Alzheimers Dement. 2022 (2022)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36571465/)
[Zhou J, et al., Network vulnerability in FTD. Brain. 2020 (2020)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32040556/)
[Boxer AL, et al., A prospective study of neuronal damage markers in cerebrospinal fluid in patients with FTD. Neurology. 2020 (2020)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32989049/)
[Miller ZA, et al., TDP-43 pathology in progressive supranuclear palsy. Acta Neuropathol. 2019 (2019)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31172200/)
[Boxer AL, et al., Longitudinal study of FTD subtypes in the ARTFL consortium. Neurology. 2019 (2019)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31451582/)