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 also 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.
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. The majority of our research is conducted within the UW Hospital, the Waisman Center, the Wisconsin Institute for Medical Research, and the YMCA.
News Highlights
Ozioma Okonkwo Served as Opponent at Anders Rydström’s PhD Dissertation Defense
Dr. Ozioma Okonkwo served as the Opponent, and also gave an opening lecture, at Anders Rydström’s PhD dissertation defense titled, “Mental stimulation and multimodal trials to prevent cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease” at Karolinska Instituet …
September 20, 2023Alyssa Pandos and Hannatu Amaza Take on New Roles
We are thrilled to have two lab members stepping into new roles in our lab: Alyssa Pandos accepted the Okonkwo Lab Assistant Program Manager position! She will be transitioning from her role as a Clinical …
September 12, 2023Chinenye Odo’s Abstract Accepted for Poster Presentation at APDIM
Chinenye Odo’s abstract “Towards Gender Equity: Evaluating Word Choices of Internal Medicine Residents in Near-Peer Evaluations.” was accepted for poster presentation at the 2023 Association of Program Directors in Internal Medicine (APDIM) Fall Conference happening …
August 21, 2023Chinenye Odo’s Abstract Accepted for Presentation at Neuroscience 2023
Chinenye Odo’s abstract “Investigating the relationship between rate pressure product and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease in cognitively unimpaired late-middle-aged adults at risk for Alzheimer’s disease” has been accepted for presentation at Neuroscience 2023 …
August 14, 2023- More News