Dr. Adam L. Boxer leads a research lab focusing on Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), a fatal neurodegenerative disease with no effective treatments. His lab aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of multiple new therapies in PSP patients through efficient clinical trials that can expedite access to promising treatments. Using advanced diagnostic tools and collaborative platforms, the lab seeks to develop new biomarkers and therapeutic strategies to improve patient outcomes.

Dr. Elizabeth M Bradshaw's lab at Columbia University focuses on understanding the link between the immune system and Alzheimer's disease (AD). They investigate how genetic factors influence the immune response to HSV-1, a virus that may play a role in AD progression. By integrating genetics, immunology, and computational biology, the lab aims to uncover the mechanisms by which HSV-1 interacts with genetic predispositions to AD and affects microglial function.

Dr. Jeffrey A Loeb's lab focuses on integrating complex data from the human brain to improve diagnosis and treatment for brain disorders. By creating a unique human brain tissue bank linked with a comprehensive multimodal dataset, the lab aims to advance translational research and enhance clinical care. Their work supports both pediatric and adult populations and emphasizes the importance of fresh brain tissue in discovering new biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Dr. Linda J. Richards' lab focuses on understanding how brain activity patterns in early life influence the development of brain circuits and overall brain function. Using the fat-tailed dunnart, a small marsupial, her team investigates when and how patterns of spontaneous neural activity emerge during development. This research provides insights into the relationships between neural activity, brain structure, and behavior, potentially informing therapeutic strategies for brain disorders.

Dr. Susan Landau's lab at UC Berkeley focuses on how lifestyle changes like diet, exercise, and cognitive stimulation can help protect brain health and reduce the risk of conditions like Alzheimer's disease in older adults. They are conducting research within the POINTER study, which aims to see if a structured lifestyle intervention has measurable effects on brain health over two years. The lab uses advanced imaging techniques to explore how these interventions impact brain biomarkers associated with dementia.

Dr. Bennett Novitch's lab at UCLA focuses on understanding human brain development and disorders using advanced models called brain organoids. These organoids are engineered from human stem cells to mimic brain structures, allowing researchers to study how genetic mutations and environmental factors impact brain function. By examining the neural networks within these organoids, the lab aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms of neurodevelopmental disorders like Rett syndrome and explore potential treatments.

Dr. Carlos D Brody's lab at Princeton University studies how the brain processes information related to working memory and decision-making. They aim to understand how different brain regions communicate and coordinate to produce these cognitive functions. By using advanced techniques in neuroscience, including brain imaging and computational modeling, the lab investigates how neural circuits contribute to behaviors in complex decision-making tasks.

Dr. Helen Bronte-Stewart's lab focuses on developing innovative therapies to address cognitive decline in Parkinson's disease, particularly before it progresses to dementia. The lab is investigating the use of deep brain stimulation targeting the Nucleus Basalis of Meynert, which is involved in cognitive and motor functions. By optimizing stimulation patterns and patient selection, the research aims to improve cognitive and cognitive-motor outcomes for individuals with Parkinson's disease.

Dr. Andrew Bubak's lab focuses on understanding how a virus linked to chickenpox and shingles, called the varicella zoster virus (VZV), may increase the risk of vascular dementia by causing inflammation and damage to blood vessels. They study the role of tiny vesicles called exosomes, which carry inflammatory proteins and persist in the body long after shingles symptoms have disappeared. This research may lead to new treatments and vaccines to reduce dementia risk associated with this virus.

Dr. Aron S Buchman's lab at Rush University Medical Center focuses on understanding how some older adults maintain their movement abilities and cognitive functions despite having Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). They are investigating specific proteins and genetic factors that contribute to this resilience, aiming to discover potential targets for future treatments. By measuring and analyzing movement and cognitive metrics, the lab seeks to improve early prediction of Alzheimer's dementia and explore the biological mechanisms behind motor and cognitive functions.

Dr. Jacqueline Burre's lab focuses on understanding the roles of different types of synuclein proteins in the brain and their connection to neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Her team is investigating how these proteins affect nerve cell functions and how disruptions in their behavior might lead to early signs of these diseases. By using specialized mouse models and biochemical techniques, the lab aims to identify potential early biomarkers and novel therapies for these age-related conditions.

Dr. Robyn M. Busch's lab focuses on understanding memory problems in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), especially those who continue to have seizures despite treatment. The lab aims to uncover the biological markers associated with memory issues to develop better treatments and preventive strategies. By studying tissue samples and blood from patients, the research is set to improve prognostic models and ultimately enhance the quality of life for individuals affected by TLE and related neurological disorders.

Dr. John H. Byrne's lab at the University of Texas Health Science Center focuses on understanding how different training intervals affect long-term memory and synaptic plasticity. The research seeks to uncover the biochemical mechanisms behind learning processes, specifically analyzing how various signaling molecules and transcription factors contribute to memory formation and retention. By improving these learning protocols, the lab aims to enhance methods for both animals and humans to achieve better memory outcomes.

Dr. Dongming Cai's lab at the University of Minnesota focuses on understanding the role of ApoE4, a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD), particularly how it affects microglial function and neuroinflammation. The research aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind ApoE4-induced changes and their impact on AD pathology. Through various innovative approaches, including mouse models and human cell cultures, the lab seeks to identify new pathways that could lead to targeted therapies for Alzheimer's disease.

Dr. Peter A Calabresi’s research lab focuses on understanding how multiple sclerosis (MS) progresses and how we can predict its course in patients. By using advanced imaging techniques like MRI and optical coherence tomography, they study changes in the brain and retina that occur as MS advances. The goal is to develop better tools to monitor patients and guide treatment decisions, ultimately improving care for those with MS.

Dr. Brian Callaghan's lab focuses on understanding the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of new treatments for Alzheimer's disease, especially in Black and low-income populations. By evaluating the real-world impacts of anti-amyloid medications, the lab aims to address healthcare disparities and improve access to effective treatments. This research is crucial for ensuring that vulnerable populations receive equitable healthcare benefits while navigating potential challenges like adverse events and cost barriers.

The lab of Dr. Ronald J. Ellis at UC San Diego focuses on the effects of cannabis compounds on the microbiome and neuroinflammation in people living with HIV. They also investigate how physical activity and the enzyme GPLD1 can improve cognitive function in aging individuals with HIV. Through both clinical trials and animal studies, the lab seeks to understand the connections between gut health, inflammation, and brain function in relation to HIV.

Dr. Daniele Canzio's lab at UCSF focuses on understanding how the genome's structure affects brain development and function. By studying specific cell-surface proteins, the lab investigates how neurons recognize and avoid self-damage during their growth and wiring. This research not only sheds light on normal brain development but is also key to understanding disorders related to neural connectivity.

Dr. Melissa Lamar's lab focuses on understanding the relationship between cardiovascular health and brain aging, particularly in the context of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). The research examines how favorable cardiovascular conditions can promote healthy brain function and connectivity in older adults. By using advanced neuroimaging techniques and comprehensive assessments, the lab aims to shed light on how brain health can be preserved through lifestyle interventions and improved cardiovascular outcomes.

Dr. Lisa L Barnes' lab focuses on understanding the impact of race-specific stressors on cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease in older Black adults. The lab conducts research to uncover biological mechanisms that link these stressors to dementia and aims to address health disparities in this vulnerable population. By studying both individual experiences and broader societal factors, they hope to identify new approaches for prevention and intervention.