University of Southern California · Social ScienceCognitive Health and Education Lab
Silvia Helena Barcellos · Los Angeles, California
Research Focus
Dr. Silvia Helena Barcellos' lab at the University of Southern California focuses on understanding the effects of education on cognitive functioning and dementia risk. The research explores how both the quantity and quality of education can influence the likelihood of developing Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) later in life. By examining genetic factors and historical education metrics, they aim to provide insights for designing effective public health policies to reduce cognitive decline and ADRD disparities as populations age.
Alzheimer's Diseasecognitive functioningeducation qualitygenetic factorsdementia riskaging populationpublic healthnatural experimentshealth disparities
Research Aims
5AIM 01Investigate the causal effects of education quantity on cognitive function in later life.
AIM 02Examine how education quality moderates the relationship between education and ADRD risk.
AIM 03Assess the role of genetics in influencing both education and ADRD susceptibility.
AIM 04Utilize historical education data to understand past impacts on current cognitive health.
AIM 05Analyze large international cohorts to derive meaningful insights for public health policies.
Skills the Lab Values
data analysisstatistical modelingpolygenic index constructionlongitudinal cohort studieseducational impact assessmentscognitive testing methodsprogram evaluationexperience with biobanksdemographic analysis
Output against the department
Publications54bottom 18% of dept.63rd of 77
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations1.4kbottom 26% of dept.57th of 77
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.