Dr. Nancy Hodgson

Biography

Nancy Hodgson is an internationally recognized nurse scientist dedicated to transforming dementia care by promoting dignity, minimizing symptoms, and honoring patients' care preferences. As the Claire M. Fagin Leadership Professor and Chair of the Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, she brings 30 years of expertise to addressing complex challenges in dementia care. Dr. Hodgson is a leader in dementia family caregiving and biobehavioral intervention research, serving as Principal Investigator on multiple trials that evaluated interventions for persons with dementia and their family caregivers in home and community settings. Her multi-method expertise encompasses qualitative research, behavioral intervention development (including technology-based solutions), clinical trials, and implementation science. Throughout her career, she has focused on developing and implementing interventions that address leading symptoms affecting diverse populations of dementia care partners. Dr. Hodgson co-founded the Palliative Care Program at the Madlyn Leonard Abramson Center, one of the nation’s nursing home-based palliative care programs. She has mentored numerous pre-doctoral students, post-doctoral fellows, and early-stage faculty in intervention research, sharing her expertise in developing treatment protocols and coordinating data safety in dementia research. Dr. Hodgson’s work informs evidence-based dementia care practices and aims to improve the quality of life for patients and their caregivers.

Research Interests

Experience