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:
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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
Ryan Dougherty Receives Favorable Score on K01
Former lab member, Ryan Dougherty, received a favorable score on his recently-submitted K01 grant titled, “Energy expenditure, cognitive function, and biomarker features of Alzheimer’s disease.” Official funding is likely on the horizon. This is an …
June 8, 2022Ben Accepted into Medical School
Congratulations to Ben Rackovan for getting accepted into Medical School at the Medical College of Wisconsin. This is a phenomenal achievement; we are all very proud!
June 3, 2022Natascha Earns Professional Development Grant
Natascha Merten has been awarded an Academic Staff Professional Development Grant to continue her streak of outstanding accomplishments. Way to go, Natascha!
May 13, 2022Clayton Vesperman’s Manuscript to be Published
Clayton Vesperman’s manuscript titled Cardiorespiratory fitness and cognition in persons at risk for Alzheimer’s disease has been accepted for publication in the journal Alzheimer’s and Dementia: Diagnosis, Assessment and Disease Monitoring. Congratulations on this accomplishment, Clayton!
May 11, 2022- More News