My research program has focused on understanding the mechanisms that underlie neurological and neurodegenerative illnesses that are associated with brain aging. For these studies I use a diverse range of stereological, neuroethnological, neuroimaging, biochemical, and behavioral approaches to understand normal aging of the brain, neuropathology of aging and comparative work aimed at elucidating neuronal mechanisms of dementia, depression, and other comorbidities. Additionally, I have worked to examine the neurobiological substrates that degenerate in these conditions, and to develop potential approaches to treatment of affected patients utilizing animal, in vitro, and in vivo models. We have found a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) that exhibits similar neuropathology to that found in humans with AD and depression, and have delayed pathological progression with 17-α estradiol treatment.

In addition, my lab is working on examining the evolutional differences in the cortex, hypothalamus and brainstem regions between apes and humans to understand the neuronal circuitry related to social bonding, emotions and cognition in human and closely related primates’ species. Humans and primates share 98 % of DNA homology which may provide insight into the neurobiological basis for human disorders.