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Lisa L Barnes — Dr. Lisa L Barnes' lab focuses on understanding the impact of race-specific stressors on cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease in older Black adults. The lab conducts research to uncover biological mechanisms that link these stressors to dementia and aims to address health disparities in this vulnerable population. By studying both individual experiences and broader societal factors, they hope to identify new approaches for prevention and intervention.
Ali Keshavarzian — Dr. Ali Keshavarzian's lab focuses on understanding how alcohol use disorder affects inflammation in people living with HIV. They study the gut microbiota and how its balance can be disrupted by both HIV and alcohol, leading to further health complications. The lab also explores ways to enhance gut health using prebiotics that promote beneficial bacteria, potentially helping those affected by both alcohol misuse and HIV.
Francine Grodstein — Dr. Francine Grodstein's lab at Rush University focuses on understanding cognitive health and aging, particularly in diverse populations like Mexican-Americans and African Americans. The lab conducts rich studies looking at genetics and socioeconomic factors in relation to cognitive impairment and healthcare utilization in older adults. The goal is to improve our understanding of Alzheimer's disease and related conditions, guiding better healthcare strategies and interventions for affected individuals.
Aron S Buchman — Dr. Aron S Buchman's lab at Rush University Medical Center focuses on understanding how some older adults maintain their movement abilities and cognitive functions despite having Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). They are investigating specific proteins and genetic factors that contribute to this resilience, aiming to discover potential targets for future treatments. By measuring and analyzing movement and cognitive metrics, the lab seeks to improve early prediction of Alzheimer's dementia and explore the biological mechanisms behind motor and cognitive functions.
Konstantinos Arfanakis — Dr. Konstantinos Arfanakis leads a research lab at Rush University Medical Center focused on understanding cerebral small vessel disease, a condition that affects brain health and cognition in older adults. The lab aims to validate biomarkers that can help in diagnosing and monitoring cognitive decline and dementia associated with this disease. By studying diverse populations, including African American and Latino older adults, the team strives to improve preventative strategies and treatment options for brain health as we age.
Melissa Lamar — Dr. Melissa Lamar's lab focuses on understanding the relationship between cardiovascular health and brain aging, particularly in the context of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). The research examines how favorable cardiovascular conditions can promote healthy brain function and connectivity in older adults. By using advanced neuroimaging techniques and comprehensive assessments, the lab aims to shed light on how brain health can be preserved through lifestyle interventions and improved cardiovascular outcomes.
Yanling Wang — Dr. Yanling Wang's lab at Rush University Medical Center focuses on understanding how the APOE4 gene, a major risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD), influences immune responses in the brain. By studying human brain tissues and developing in vitro organoids, the lab aims to uncover the mechanisms of neuroinflammation and how it relates to aging and Alzheimer's. Their research looks at cell interactions and immune functions at brain borders, hoping to identify new therapeutic targets for AD treatment.
Xiu-Ti Hu — Dr. Xiu-Ti Hu's lab at Rush University focuses on understanding how HIV and cocaine use affect brain function, particularly in relation to neurocognitive disorders. The research aims to unravel the complex interactions between chronic HIV treatment and cocaine addiction, exploring their combined effects on neuronal health and cognitive abilities. By using animal models, the lab investigates the underlying mechanisms that contribute to neuronal dysfunction and seeks to identify new therapeutic strategies for improving cognitive outcomes in people living with HIV.
Lena Al-Harthi — Dr. Lena Al-Harthi's lab investigates the complex interplay between HIV and drug abuse, particularly focusing on how substances like methamphetamine affect cognitive health in individuals living with HIV. They utilize innovative humanized animal models to explore how HIV hides in the brain and how it impacts brain function and homeostasis. By studying these mechanisms, the lab aims to develop better strategies for addressing cognitive impairments in HIV-positive drug users.