SouzaLab
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Our Research and Major Discoveries
Dive into our cutting-edge research projects aiming to unravel the mysteries of aging and it's connection to circadian rhythm, and its impact on human health. Our team of experts is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of neuroscience and shedding light on the complex interactions within the circadian system.
Normal Aging and Cognitive Impairment
As we age, even in the absence of disease, our brains undergo gradual changes that can impact our daily lives. Many cognitive abilities peak in early adulthood and then decline gradually with age, resulting in to slower thinking, increased forgetfulness, reduced attention, and difficulty with multitasking. Studying these normal patterns of decline helps us understand why these changes occur- and what factors may promote or protect against cognitive impairment.
Disease: Alzheimer's and Dementia
Alzheimer's and related dementias are degenerative brain diseases that devastate memory and thinking abilities beyond normal aging. Alzheimer's affects millions of families worldwide and is even the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, yet there is still much to learn about why and how these diseases develop. Our research seeks to shed light on the biological and lifestyle factors that drive memory loss and other cognitive symptoms. By deepening our understanding, we aim to inspire earlier detection, more effective treatments, and a better quality of life for those affected and their loved ones.
Circadian Dysregulation and the Brain-Gut Axis
Our bodies and brains follow a natural 24-hour light-dark cycle known as the circadian clock. This internal timing system helps coordinate vital functions, from sleep and hormone release to metabolism and immune activity. The brain-gut axis describes the constant communication between the brain and the digestive system through nerves, hormones, and the gut microbiome. This connection means that the health of the gut can influence how we think and feel, while the brain can alter gut function. Together, the circadian system and brain-gut axis form an intricate network that keeps the body and mind in harmony. Unfortunately, life offers plenty of ways to disturb our circadian clock: shift work, jet lag, newborns, irregular sleep schedules, poor diets, stress, and any other factor that might interrupt our internal timing. This disruption throws off our normal body systems and can have wide-ranging negative effects on both physical and cognitive health. This research gives us insight into why disrupted circadian rhythms may accelerate aging or increase vulnerability to neurological diseases, and can guide new ways to strengthen resilience through lifestyle, diet, and targeted therapies.