Researching Modifiable and Non-Modifiable Risk Factors Linked to Cognitive Resilience in Alzheimer’s Disease
What do we do?
Our lab focuses on clarifying how alterations in the brain and other biomolecules (such as cerebrospinal fluid β-amyloid) place some cognitively-normal individuals on a pernicious trajectory that culminates in Alzheimer’s dementia. In this context, we are particularly interested in discovering new knowledge concerning the modulation of the link between brain changes and cognitive decline by both modifiable (e.g., cognitively-stimulating activities, physical exercise) and non-modifiable (e.g., genetic vulnerability) factors. Overlaid on this research agenda are investigations of health accessibility, and how such accessibility exacerbates or ameliorates the impact of biomarkers on clinical phenotypes.
We use many techniques in our research, including but not limited to:
This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.
MRI and PET Imaging


Cerebrospinal Fluid Collection

Maximal Exercise Testing


Blood-based Biomarkers

Physical Activity Monitoring

Cognitive Testing

We are a part of the larger Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Program, which includes both the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Institute.
Our offices are located on UW Madison’s campus within the UW Hospital and WARF. The majority of our research is conducted at the UW Hospital, the Waisman Center, the Wisconsin Institute for Medical Research, and the YMCA.
News Highlights
Ikenna Odoh Passes Second Stage of US Medical License Examination
Ikenna Odoh passed the second stage of the US Medical License Examination this month! Congratulations on this accomplishment – we are so proud!
September 24, 2025Ozioma Okonkwo Named Recipient of UAB Dept of Psychology Distinguished Scholar Alumni Award
Dr. Ozioma Okonkwo has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Department of Psychology Distinguished Scholar Alumni Award!! This award recognizes alumni of the Department for groundbreaking scientific …
September 5, 2025Val Iaquinta Accepted into Medical School
Val Iaquinta was accepted into the Morehouse School of Medicine MD program in Atlanta! Classes started in July. Congratulations, Val!
August 5, 2025Ozioma Okonkwo Appointed to Leadership Core of Integrated Biological Framework and Staging System for Neurodegenerative Diseases Workgroup
Dr. Ozioma Okonkwo has been appointed to the Leadership Core of a newly-formed Integrated Biological Framework and Staging System for Neurodegenerative Diseases Workgroup. The objectives of this Workgroup – which includes representatives from academia, industry, …
July 11, 2025- More News