University of Florida · PhysiologyLaboratory for Autism and Dementia Research
Zheng Wang · Gainesville, Florida
Research Focus
Dr. Zheng Wang's lab at the University of Florida focuses on understanding the relationship between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the early onset of dementia in autistic adults. The research investigates how neurocognitive functions, brain imaging, and plasma biomarkers can reveal signs of dementia in middle-aged autistic individuals. By studying these factors, the lab aims to contribute to better diagnosis and treatment strategies for dementia in this vulnerable population.
autism spectrum disorderdementianeurocognitive biomarkersbrain imagingplasma biomarkersmemory impairmentexecutive functionneurodegenerationAmyloid PETMRI
Research Aims
3AIM 01Quantify verbal memory retention and executive function in autistic adults
AIM 02Evaluate brain degeneration related to dementia using MRI and PET scans
AIM 03Identify and analyze plasma biomarkers associated with Alzheimer's disease in autistic adults
Skills the Lab Values
MRI imagingplasma biomarker analysisfree-water diffusion MRIexecutive function testingmemory testingdata collectionstatistical analysiscognitive assessmentneuroimagingPET scanning
Output against the department
Publications950top 1% of dept.2nd of 286
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations27ktop 8% of dept.24th of 286
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.