Research
The research focus in my laboratory is the study of brain structure and function in aging. We primarily use tools for imaging the brain, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET) and functional MRI (fMRI) to study how changes in brain structure, function, and neurochemistry are reflected in cognitive changes. As the brain ages, it is well recognized that a host of cognitive disturbances may occur. These range from very severe disturbances such as Using advanced structural, functional, and molecular imaging techniques it is possible to quantify the changes in volumes of specific brain structures, as well as quantify neurochemical and biochemical changes in the brain. My laboratory measures these structural and chemical changes in order to understand which brain structures change in normal aging, how normal aging and dementia may differ, how underlying chemical changes are translated into behavior, and how we may be able to predict and ultimately modify cognitive decline. In addition to imaging technologies, we utilize techniques from neuropsychology, cognitive neuroscience, and epidemiology to investigate cognitive processes in aging and cognitive changes in large samples of subjects. Current projects are designed to examine how the volumes of specific brain regions decline with age and disease, how white matter abnormalities are related to cognitive decline, and how glucose metabolism and dopaminergic function change with age and cognitive decline.
Below is a listing of current research projects in the laboratory.