Impact of alpha-synuclein positivity on memory mechanisms in human aging

This grant supports research to better understand how early markers of Alzheimer’s and Lewy body diseases impact aging. Our work has shown that about 25% of older adults without clinical symptoms already show early signs of Alzheimer’s pathology, linked to subtle memory changes. With this funding, we expanded our studies to include alpha-synuclein, a key marker of Lewy body diseases, allowing us to profile participants across both disease spectrums. The goal is to uncover how these early changes influence aging and cognitive health. The data generated will be shared widely to promote collaboration, advance diversity in research, and provide opportunities for trainees in the field.