Project R-1 – Christina Wong, PhD

Improving our understanding of the intricate biological mechanisms that underlie progression of neurodegenerative disorders from preclinical stages to overt dementia is crucial for informing targets of future treatment studies.  The role of inflammation in neurodegenerative disorders is complex, but growing evidence suggests that it may play a causal role in late-life neurodegeneration. Dr. Wong aims to develop a novel blood-based inflammatory composite score and examine its ability to predict cognitive decline in older adults. Her study will also examine the interactions between biological risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease, systemic inflammation, neuroinflammation, and cognition.

External Mentor

Joel Kramer, PsyD

University of California San Francisco (UCSF), Weill Institute for  Neurosciences