Ashanthi Gajaweera, MD

Hi, I’m Dr. Ashanthi Gajaweera (Dr. G) and my mission at Healthspan Neurology is to minimize the risk of dementia as much as possible for each patient.

A woman with dark, wavy hair smiling, sitting on a vintage green and wooden chair, wearing a dark gray satin top and pants, with a dark background.

I’ve loved being a neurologist for over 25 years but it’s been heartbreaking and frustrating to see so many of my patients and their families (as well as my own) affected by this awful disease.  So often patients would ask me why this was happening and whether there was something they could have done to prevent it.  Until recently, it wasn’t clear there was. But over the past decade it’s become increasingly evident that dementia changes can start in the brain 10-30 years prior to disease. Even more importantly, we now know that nearly half of dementia cases may be delayed or altogether prevented.

When I couldn’t find clear, consensus guidelines for dementia prevention, I began a deep dive into the research myself. What I found was a solid scientific foundation for data-driven, proactive personalized strategies to reduce dementia risk. By stepping outside the constraints of the traditional, insurance-driven model, we can take a more proactive and comprehensive approach—addressing the vascular, metabolic, hormonal, and inflammatory factors that compromise brain health, and helping patients mitigate them strategically.

That’s why I chose to leave a successful and fulfilling traditional neurology practice—one where I was respected and deeply valued the relationships I built with patients. I felt a strong pull to take a more proactive approach to brain health, to stay curious and actively learn strategies that truly promote long-term cognitive well-being. I wanted to shift my energy away from navigating insurance requirements or managing the side effects of the latest medications, and instead return to the core reason I became a physician: to help people live longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.

It may be ambitious, but I believe small, mission-driven practices like mine can help lead the way in making dementia prevention a part of mainstream medicine—especially as thought leaders like Peter Attia, MD bring concepts like “healthspan” and “Medicine 3.0” into broader awareness. By applying the same principles of early intervention and evidence-informed, proactive care, I truly believe that meaningful dementia prevention is within reach.

I feel passionately about this mission and I hope you will join me.

Education

  • B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology. 1990-1994

  • M.D. University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester NY. 1994-1998

  • Resident, Internal Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester NY 1998-1999 

  • Resident, Neurology, Emory University, Atlanta, Ga. 1999-2002

  • Chief Resident, Neurology, Emory University, Atlanta, Ga. 2001-2002

  • Fellowship, Clinical Neurophysiology, Emory University, Atlanta, Ga. 2002-2003

  • Certification/NY License in Medical Acupuncture, Helms Medical Institute

  • Professional and Advanced Training Certification in Mind Body Medicine, Center for Mind Body Medicine

Experience

  • Founder, Medical Director, CEO, Healthspan Neurology, PC. Rochester, NY 2025

  • Physician, Managing Partner, Neurology Associate of Rochester, PC. Rochester, NY 2003-2024

  • Consultant Inpatient Neurologist, Rochester General Hospital. Rochester, NY 2003-2010

  • Consultant Inpatient Neurologist, VA Medical Center, Atlanta, GA 2002-2003

Memberships/Appointments/Licensing

  • Medical License - NY

  • Medical Acupuncture License - NY

  • Diplomate, American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology

  • Rochester General Hospital Medical Staff, Rochester, NY

  • Clinical Assistant Professor of Neurology, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, NY

  • Board Member - Monroe County Medical Society, Rochester, NY