The overarching goal of my Work is to understand cellular and molecular mechanisms of neuronal and circuit function in the context of aging and neurodegenerative disease. Through two main areas of research: 1) how genetic background, diet, and body weight affect the function of neurons in key CNS circuits responsible for food intake and 2) cognitive longevity in aging, particularly how metabolic and cellular functions/vulnerabilities contribute to brain health and cognition to influence risk for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
