Okonkwo Laboratory

Modifiable and non-modifiable factors linked to cognitive resilience in Alzheimer's disease

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:

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MRI and PET Imaging

GE MR750 3T scanner for structural and functional brain imaging.
Siemens ECAT EXACT HR+ PET scanner, with the operational model pictured in the forefront and a second HR+ gantry used for educational purposes pictured in the background.

Cerebrospinal Fluid Collection

A lumbar puncture procedure to collect cerebrospinal fluid.

Maximal Exercise Testing

Maximal exercise testing measures VO2, heart rate, respiratory exchange ratio, ventilation, and other variables needed to determine one’s cardiorespiratory fitness.
Variables of interest during a maximal exercise test.

Blood-based Biomarkers

Quanterix HD-X machine
Quanterix HD-X for analysis of biospecimens. Questions can be directed to: adrcbiomarker@medicine.wisc.edu  Photo credit: Clint Thayer.

Physical Activity Monitoring

A visual representation of an individual’s physical activity levels over 10 days, captured with an Actigraph accelerometer worn around the waist.

Cognitive Testing

Administering one of many cognitive tests that comprise our neuropsychological testing battery.

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

  • Leah Symanski Accepted Into Medical School

    Leah Symanski was accepted into the Central Michigan University College of Medicine and will start in August 2026. Congratulations on this achievement, Leah! We are so proud of you and know you will be an …

    July 6, 2026

  • Gabriella Mamlouk Invited to Co-Chair Developing Topics Session at AAIC 2026

    Gabriella Mamlouk has been invited to co-chair a Developing Topics session at AAIC this year! She will be moderating alongside another session chair, which is a fantastic recognition of her expertise and contributions to AAIC the …

    July 6, 2026

  • Asha Coy Accepted Into Medical School

    Asha Coy was accepted into the Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Indianapolis. She will start this August, and we couldn’t be more excited for her. Congratulations, Asha – we are beyond proud of …

    June 12, 2026

  • Sara Fernandes-Taylor’s Manuscript Accepted for Publication

    Sara Fernandes-Taylor’s manuscript “Neurodegeneration, neuroinflammation, and synaptic dysfunction biomarkers in cognitively unimpaired people with advanced Alzheimer pathology” has been accepted for publication in Neurology Open Access. Congratulations, SFT! 

    June 8, 2026
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