George Washington University · NeurosciencePatel Lab
Payal Patel · Washington, District of Columbia
Research Focus
Dr. Payal Patel's lab at the University of Washington investigates the links between HIV and cognitive health in young adults. The research focuses on understanding how myelin, a key component of brain white matter, may be affected in individuals living with HIV, even those who are virally suppressed. This work aims to identify risks for cognitive impairment and explore potential interventions to improve brain health.
HIVcognitionmyelinneuroimagingcognitive impairmentinflammationbrain healthyoung adults
Research Aims
5AIM 01Evaluate myelin content in young adults living with virally suppressed HIV compared to HIV-uninfected controls.
AIM 02Determine the correlation between changes in myelin content and cognitive health over time.
AIM 03Identify social determinants that influence cognitive outcomes in young adults with HIV.
AIM 04Explore myelin water imaging as a potential biomarker for cognitive impairment risk in HIV.
AIM 05Investigate the potential for myelin preservation therapies to improve cognitive function.
Skills the Lab Values
MRI imaging techniquesmyelin water imagingcognitive assessment methodsdiffusion tensor imagingdata modelinglongitudinal study designstatistical analysisparticipant recruitment and managementbiomarker analysis