Dr. Eyal Yaacov Kimchi's lab at Northwestern University focuses on understanding delirium in older adults, particularly its causes and effects. They are researching how disturbances in sleep patterns and circadian rhythms contribute to episodes of delirium, which can lead to long-term cognitive decline. By using innovative monitoring technologies and artificial intelligence, the lab aims to identify specific factors that can improve treatment and intervention strategies for delirium in hospitalized patients, ultimately enhancing the health outcomes of older adults.

Dr. Farrah Jasmine Mateen's lab focuses on improving access to epilepsy diagnosis in underserved populations. The team works on developing artificial intelligence tools that can help non-specialists accurately interpret EEG results, a crucial part of diagnosing epilepsy. By training AI algorithms and creating risk assessment tools, the lab aims to provide reliable diagnostic services in locations where expert care is limited, improving outcomes for many individuals affected by epilepsy.

Dr. Carson J. Ingo's lab at Northwestern University focuses on understanding how changes in white matter in the brain affect cognitive function after a stroke, particularly in older adults and underserved populations. The lab uses advanced imaging techniques to examine the relationships between brain structure and cognitive outcomes, aiming to identify new ways to improve recovery and treatment strategies for stroke-related cognitive impairments.

Dr. Robert G Kalb's lab at Northwestern University focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind frontotemporal dementia (FTD), particularly those associated with the C9orf72 gene mutation. The research utilizes model organisms like C. elegans and mammalian neurons to explore how specific toxic proteins generated from the mutated gene cause neurodegeneration. The lab aims to identify protective pathways and potential drug targets to help treat this challenging and prevalent neurodegenerative disease.

Dr. John A. Kessler's lab at Northwestern University focuses on understanding the role of specific proteins in brain health, particularly in the context of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and frontotemporal dementia. His research examines how aging affects brain function and explores potential gene therapies to improve cognitive outcomes by targeting certain molecular pathways. The lab seeks to develop treatments that could ultimately help in preventing or slowing the progression of these debilitating conditions.

Dr. Evangelos Kiskinis's lab at Northwestern University focuses on understanding the biological mechanisms behind Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD). The lab utilizes advanced techniques like stem cell models and genetic analysis to explore how mutations in specific genes affect motor neuron function and health. This research aims to improve models for studying these neurodegenerative diseases and identify potential treatments.

Dr. Kristen Knutson's lab focuses on understanding the connection between sleep and Alzheimer's disease by studying how specific proteins in the blood are influenced by sleep patterns. The research aims to identify biomarkers that can predict cognitive performance and dementia risk, providing insights that could lead to better prevention strategies. Ultimately, their work seeks to connect sleep health with brain function, especially in older adults.

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.

Professor Joseph R. Mazzulli's lab at Northwestern University focuses on understanding how the accumulation of a-synuclein, a protein involved in neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies, affects cellular functions. The lab investigates how a-synuclein aggregates disrupt lysosomal function and protein trafficking, aiming to find new treatments that restore these cellular processes. By using advanced cellular models and small molecules, the research aims to decipher the underlying mechanisms of neurodegeneration and enhance lysosomal biogenesis to alleviate disease symptoms.

Dr. Chad Mirkin's lab focuses on using innovative nanotechnology to develop new vaccines for melanoma, a challenging form of skin cancer. They explore spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) that can deliver targeted immune responses to combat tumor cells. This research aims to improve treatment outcomes for melanoma patients and advance the field of cancer immunotherapy.

Dr. Christina Maria Zelano's research focuses on understanding how the human brain processes smells, specifically how it distinguishes between different odors based on their intensity and identity. By recording electrical signals from the olfactory cortex during odor perception, the lab aims to bridge the gap between brain activity and how we consciously experience smells. This work not only enhances our comprehension of the olfactory system's functioning but can also provide insights into neurological diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's that are linked to these brain areas.

Dr. Puneet Opal's lab at Northwestern University focuses on the cellular mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases, specifically Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 1 (SCA1) and Giant Axonal Neuropathy (GAN). The lab explores how early developmental changes in the brain lead to movement disorders and neuronal death, aiming to uncover new therapeutic strategies. Through advanced mouse models and molecular techniques, they examine the roles of specific proteins and cellular processes that contribute to these diseases.

Dr. Pembe Hande Ozdinler's lab focuses on developing new treatment strategies for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and frontotemporal dementia. Their key compound, NU-9, shows promise in reducing harmful protein aggregation and improving neuron health. The lab explores how NU-9 works at a cellular level, aiming to enhance neuronal function, survival, and overall brain health through innovative drug discovery.

Dr. Jeffrey Nicholas Savas's lab at Northwestern University focuses on understanding the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, particularly the role of amyloid beta plaques in brain degeneration. The lab uses innovative imaging techniques to track how amyloid plaques form and evolve over time in mouse models. This research is vital for uncovering how these plaques contribute to cognitive decline and could inform new treatments for Alzheimer's disease.

Dr. Farzaneh Sorond's lab focuses on understanding how changes in the brain's white matter may affect mobility and cognitive function in older adults, especially those at higher risk like African Americans and women. By analyzing brain imaging data, the lab aims to identify characteristics that help some older individuals maintain their mobility and mental sharpness despite potential brain health challenges. Their research seeks to contribute to better treatment strategies and enhance brain health in aging populations.

Dr. Marc W. Slutzky's research focuses on improving gait and movement in stroke survivors using an innovative approach called MINT conditioning. This method aims to correct abnormal muscle activation patterns that negatively impact walking and quality of life. Ultimately, the goal is to develop a user-friendly, wearable device for home therapy that enhances rehabilitation efforts after a stroke.

Dr. Dimitri Krainc's lab at Northwestern University focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind Parkinson's disease using patient-derived cells. They study how different genetic factors influence the health of dopamine neurons and the role of surrounding glial cells, such as microglia and astrocytes, in neurodegeneration. The lab employs cutting-edge techniques to explore the interactions between cellular pathways and develop new experimental models for studying various aspects of Parkinson's and other neurodegenerative diseases.

Dr. Phyllis C. Zee's lab focuses on understanding sleep disorders, especially Delayed Sleep-Wake Phase Disorder (DSWPD) and insomnia in older adults. The lab investigates the physiological and behavioral factors that influence sleep quality and cognitive function. By examining different phenotypes of sleep disorders and their underlying mechanisms, the research aims to develop personalized treatment strategies to improve sleep and overall health in affected individuals.

Dr. Robert J. Vassar's lab at Northwestern University focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind Alzheimer's disease (AD), particularly how specific proteins contribute to neuron degeneration and tau pathology. The lab investigates the roles of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE1) and the protein annexin A6 in neuronal health and disease. Through their studies, they aim to discover new therapeutic strategies for AD by exploring the fundamental biological processes that lead to memory loss and cognitive decline.