Healthy Aging > Research > Neurobiology

Molecular and Cellular: Neurobiology

The research program on Neurobiology of Aging uses animal models and human clinical samples to examine how aging influences brain function. Brain metabolism is energy-intensive, so that minor errors in energy metabolism (with or without genetic factors) that disrupt the supply of oxygen can have severe impact on brain function. In this study, researchers will identify age-related factors that affect nerve cell function, energy consumption and oxidative stress in the brain, shedding light on how fluctuations in oxygen and glucose in the brain could contribute to premature aging, impaired brain function and neurodegeneration.

In human studies, brain scanning methods will be used to explore markers of brain function in persons with or without signs and symptoms of mild dementia. We will look for network activity that correlates with perception, attention and problem-solving, and identify unique patterns of activity associated with dementia. Furthermore, the clinical neurobiology research group will develop new tools to identify unique sleep patterns in persons with mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. The goal is to develop markers for progressive disease, so that preventive or therapeutic interventions can be implemented.