WAM RESEARCH GRANT RECIPIENTS
Dr. Laura Cox is using her funding to continue work in understanding the connection between the gut and the brain. This study will investigate how the gut microbiota may trigger plaque build-up and Alzheimer’s disease in brain cells. She will be examining the effects of the gut microbiome to determine what environmental factors contribute to Alzheimer’s and whether they are genetically programmed differently in women than men.
Dr. Roberta Diaz Brinton is a pioneer in our understanding of the connection between estrogen as a risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s in women. This is the fourth study of hers that WAM is funding, and it focuses on the correlation between Type 2 diabetes therapies as a risk factor for Alzheimer’s and the clinical care provided to diabetic women to protect their long-term health.
Dr. Fayron Epps one of four research studies WAM is funding as part of the Alzheimer’s Association RAPID program, designed by the Alzheimer’s Association to help accelerate research studies interrupted by Covid. Her research will expand access to dementia-friendly online worship services and address the needs of African American families facing dementia who are unable to physically attend church and connect with a religious community.
Dr. Richard Isaacson was of the first proponents of the notion that Alzheimer’s might be a preventable disease. This study focuses on the increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s in women of diverse multi-cultural and genetic backgrounds with the intention to identify, test and construct precision communication plans for women of color that account for their unique racial, ethnic and cultural differences.
Dr. Lisa Mosconi focuses on how women’s reproductive systems may be connected to their risk for Alzheimer’s. This study expands on prior work to look at aspects of a woman’s reproductive cycle other than menopause as risk factors for developing Alzheimer’s. She will be asking whether the age at which menopause occurs might be relevant.
Dr. Dean Ornish is conducting the first randomized controlled trial to determine if the progression of early Alzheimer’s disease may be reversed by a comprehensive lifestyle medicine program. This trial involves a whole foods plant-based diet low in fat and sugar with supplements, moderate exercise, stress management techniques, and support groups.
Dr. Kendra Ray is one of four research studies WAM is funding as part of the Alzheimer’s Association RAPID program, designed by the Alzheimer’s Association to help accelerate research studies interrupted by Covid. Dr. Ray’s study will measure the effectiveness of music therapy on agitation, depression and anxiety in people living with mid-stage dementia.
Dr. Ashley Sanderlin is one of four research studies WAM is funding as part of the Alzheimer’s Association RAPID program, designed by the Alzheimer’s Association to help accelerate research studies interrupted by Covid. Trial participants will consume a modified Mediterranean ketogenic diet for four months. Ultimately study is hoping to determine if a low carbohydrate diet can improve sleep and brain function and improve quality of life in people with MCI.
Dr. Megan Zuelsdorff is one of four research studies WAM is funding as part of the Alzheimer’s Association RAPID program, designed by the Alzheimer’s Association to help accelerate research studies interrupted by Covid. Her study is trying to determine how a disadvantaged social environment contributes to an increased risk for Alzheimer’s.