Howdy!

A recent publication in the Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association identified circadian research in the context of aging and dementia as a top priority for future investigation. Circadian rhythm disorders, closely tied to sleep disruption, are hallmark features of aging and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Historically, these disruptions have been viewed as secondary to neurodegenerative pathology.

Our lab is the first to demonstrate that controlled circadian dysregulation (CCD) directly impairs cognition, accelerating brain aging and inducing permanent changes that had never been characterized in the context of AD. 

Our lab has extended this work to the neuro-gut axis, identifying it as a key mediator in the persistent inflammatory state triggered by CCD.

​

We have reached a pivotal stage in this research, with four critical next steps:

1. Characterize modifiable immune and genetic aging markers that link circadian dysregulation to cognitive decline.

2. Identify gut-derived mechanisms of resilience that may inform biomarker discovery and therapeutic strategies.

3. Develop and test lifestyle intervention paradigms aimed at reversing damage and preventing further decline.

4. Translate findings to clinical applications, bridging the gap between preclinical discovery and human health.