Daniel Potts
Daniel C. Potts is a neurologist whose father, Lester, discovered his talent for creating watercolor art in the throes of Alzheimer’s disease. After his father’s death in 2007, Dr. Potts became an advocate for the expressive arts in dementia care, formed a non-profit (Cognitive Dynamics Foundation), and created an educational expressive arts program (Bringing Art to Life) to support this effort.
Designated an Architect of Change by Maria Shriver, neurologist Daniel C. Potts champions life-affirming care for persons living with dementia and their care partners. Staff Neurologist at the Tuscaloosa VA, Potts and family founded Cognitive Dynamics Foundation to share inspiration and hope in memory of his father, Lester, who became an acclaimed watercolor artist in the throes of Alzheimer’s disease. Potts has told his father’s story of triumph through artistic creativity internationally.
One of America’s Top Physicians, Potts received a BS in biology from Birmingham-Southern College, MD from the University of South Alabama Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine, internship in internal medicine and residency and chief residency in neurology at the UAB Heersink School of Medicine. A Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) and the AAN’s 2008 Donald M. Palatucci Advocate of the Year, Potts also is an affiliate of the Alabama Research Institute on Aging, the University of Alabama Department of Psychology, the McCollough Institute for Pre-Medical Scholars, and The James Houston Center for Faith and Successful Aging, and is on the clinical faculty at both the University of Alabama and the University of South Alabama Medical Schools. He was chosen by the University of Alabama Medical Alumni Association as a 2016 recipient of the Martha Myers Role Model Award, honoring physician alumni whose lives epitomize the ideal of service to their communities. Potts is the recipient of the 2024 Distinguished Medical Alumni Award from the University of South Alabama Medical Alumni Association, and the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award from Birmingham-Southern College.
Potts has authored or coauthored numerous books, including Neurology for the Boards, Treasure for Alzheimer’s, Finding Joy in Alzheimer’s, Bringing Art to Life, as well as the first chapter on expressive arts therapies in a major medical textbook, Geriatric Neurology (2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.). In addition to professional writing, he has been a lyricist for nationally known composers and has published 7 books of photographs and poetry. Potts serves on the advisory board for Embodied Labs, a healthcare virtual reality development and training company. He was a co-convener of the Clergy Against Alzheimer’s and Faith United Against Alzheimer’s advocacy networks, and was Editor-in-Chief of Seasons of Caring, the first-ever multi-faith collection of meditations for dementia caregivers. He lives in Tuscaloosa, AL, with wife, Ellen W. Potts, MBA.
Interests
Neurology, neuroscience, neuroaesthetics, neuroarts, neurotheology, expressive arts therapies, photography, poetry, art therapy, music therapy, dance and movement therapy, bibliotherapy, improv, drama therapy, life story, personhood, education, intergenerational education, dementia care, living well, mindfulness, spirituality, nature, social prescribing, museums, eldercare, Alzheimer’s, dementia, caregiving, care partnerships, song writing
