Dr. Michael K Lee's research lab at the University of Minnesota focuses on understanding the relationship between alpha-synuclein and tau proteins in various forms of dementia, including Alzheimer's and frontotemporal dementia. The lab uses genetic techniques to manipulate these proteins in mouse models to explore their roles in cognitive function and disease progression. This research aims to uncover potential therapeutic targets to mitigate cognitive deficits associated with neurodegenerative diseases.

Dr. Richard Leigh's lab at Johns Hopkins University focuses on understanding cognitive decline after strokes. They investigate how damage to the blood-brain barrier may contribute to memory problems and brain changes in stroke survivors. By studying brain imaging and developing new diagnostic methods, the lab aims to identify patients at risk for dementia and improve treatment strategies.

Dr. Matthew J. Lavoie's lab focuses on understanding Lewy Body Dementia (LBD), a common form of neurodegenerative dementia. The lab investigates how mutations in the GBA1 gene, which cause a lysosomal storage disorder, affect brain cell function and contribute to the pathology of LBD. By studying neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells, the team aims to uncover the molecular interactions involved in the disease and the influence of other genetic factors such as LRRK2.

Dr. Qingyun Li's lab focuses on understanding the role of microglial cells in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The lab investigates how specific microglial subsets, particularly those known as disease-associated microglia (DAM), contribute to the pathology of AD. By exploring the origins, genetic regulation, and functions of these microglia, the research aims to uncover potential therapeutic targets to help combat Alzheimer's disease.

Dr. Maya Shelly's research focuses on understanding how certain lipids in the brain influence the development of neural structures called dendrites. These dendrites are crucial for forming connections between neurons, and proper development is essential for healthy brain function. Her lab investigates how lipids are transported in nerve cells and how they affect signaling pathways that guide dendrite growth, particularly during early brain development. This work has implications for understanding developmental disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.

The research lab led by Brian Litt at the University of Pennsylvania focuses on improving surgery outcomes for patients with epilepsy who do not respond to medication. By developing advanced methods to analyze brain imaging and electrical activity, the lab aims to create personalized approaches that help identify the best surgical options for individual patients. The lab collaborates with multiple surgical centers to standardize data sharing and improve surgical strategies for epilepsy treatment.

Dr. Xin-Yun Lu's lab at Augusta University focuses on understanding the mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and the effects of aging and chronic stress on brain health. The research investigates how specific neurons respond to stress and aging, and how inflammation in the brain can affect cognitive function over time. By exploring factors like HDAC9 and the Duffy Antigen Receptor for Chemokines (DARC), the lab aims to uncover therapeutic targets to help combat cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

Dr. Marc W Halterman's lab focuses on the connection between the lungs and the brain during acute ischemic stroke. They study how lung injuries can affect inflammation and recovery after a stroke, aiming to discover new treatments that target lung issues to help improve brain outcomes. The research may lead to innovative therapies that could help mitigate complications related to strokes and other neurological conditions.

Dr. Wenjie Luo's lab focuses on understanding the role of microglia and cholesterol metabolism in Alzheimer's disease, particularly how a specific gene variant (APOE4) affects neuroinflammation and tau toxicity. The research aims to uncover novel cellular mechanisms and therapeutic targets by studying a cholesterol-related enzyme, CH25H, and its impact on Alzheimer’s progression. This work could lead to new prevention strategies or treatments for Alzheimer's disease.

Dr. Cindy V Ly's lab at Washington University is focused on understanding amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a severe neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons. The research aims to identify biomarkers that can help in the diagnosis and treatment of ALS by studying neurofilament proteins, which play a key role in neuron structure and function. The lab combines advanced proteomic techniques with patient biofluids to uncover new insights that could lead to innovative therapeutic strategies.

Dr. Cherie L Marvel's lab studies how Lyme disease affects the brain, particularly after treatment when some patients experience lingering neurological symptoms. They investigate the relationship between changes in brain structure, specifically white matter, and cognitive performance over time. By using advanced imaging techniques and blood tests, the lab aims to uncover the biological mechanisms behind these cognitive issues, potentially leading to better diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for patients.

Dr. Anita A Disney's lab at Duke University focuses on understanding how brain changes related to aging and Alzheimer's disease manifest in a model that closely resembles human physiology—the rhesus macaque monkey. By examining the metabolome and proteome of macaque brains, particularly around menopause, the lab aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms of Alzheimer's pathology and identify potential biomarkers for early diagnosis and intervention.

Dr. Giovanni Manfredi's lab focuses on understanding how mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to neurological diseases, including conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. They explore the complex roles mitochondria play in cellular metabolism and how stress responses are activated when mitochondrial function is impaired. This research aims to develop new therapeutic strategies to combat mitochondrial disorders and their effects on the central nervous system.

Dr. Jennifer Manly's lab at Columbia University focuses on understanding the reasons behind racial disparities in Alzheimer's disease and related cognitive impairments. The lab studies how social and biological factors influence cognitive health, particularly in middle-aged adults from diverse backgrounds. By examining data from a large group of participants, they aim to identify ways to mitigate risks and improve outcomes for those affected by these disparities.

Dr. Bharti Manwani's lab at the University of Texas Health Science Center focuses on understanding how atrial fibrillation, a heart condition, disproportionately affects elderly women and leads to dementia. Through innovative animal models, the lab investigates the influence of sex chromosomes and hormones on disease development and seeks to identify potential therapeutic targets for prevention. The research integrates advanced techniques in electrophysiology, imaging, and molecular biology to unravel complex sex-specific mechanisms involved in these conditions.

Dr. Marek-Marsel Mesulam's lab focuses on understanding Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA), a type of dementia that primarily affects language abilities while preserving memory. The lab studies the distinct patterns of brain degeneration in PPA, particularly in the left hemisphere, and aims to link these patterns to the underlying diseases such as Alzheimer's and frontotemporal degeneration. By examining biological samples from patients, the lab is exploring how to personalize treatment options based on individual differences in brain structure and function.

Dr. Andres Villu Maricq's lab studies a specific type of brain receptor called NMDA receptors, which are crucial for learning and memory. By investigating how these receptors are regulated by a newly discovered protein, NRAP-1, they aim to better understand synaptic signaling in the nervous system. This research has important implications for treating conditions like schizophrenia and depression, as well as understanding fundamental brain processes.

Dr. Isaac Marin-Valencia's lab focuses on understanding how metabolism affects brain development. They study when and how metabolic pathways change during critical growth periods in the brain. By using advanced techniques, they aim to uncover important switches in metabolism that could influence the risk of neurological disorders. Their work not only deepens our understanding of brain growth but also has implications for public health by addressing conditions linked to metabolic disruptions.

Dr. Afonso C Silva's lab at the University of Pittsburgh focuses on understanding Alzheimer's disease by creating and studying marmoset models. These small primates offer a unique opportunity to explore the biological mechanisms behind Alzheimer's, and the lab aims to discover how the disease develops from its earliest stages. Through advanced imaging and genetic techniques, the research aims to enhance knowledge about both early-onset and late-onset Alzheimer's, potentially leading to new treatments.

Dr. Sean Marrelli's lab at the University of Texas Health Science Center focuses on understanding how certain proteins affect blood flow in the brain and their roles in diseases like Alzheimer's. They are investigating how von Willebrand factor (VWF) contributes to blood vessel problems in amyloidosis and how the Piezo1 ion channel helps regulate cerebral blood flow. The goal is to identify mechanisms that could help treat or prevent neurodegenerative diseases by improving blood circulation in the brain.