Research Labs

ConnectLab: Brain Connectivity and Aging

Principle Investigator: Jessica S. Damoiseaux
Phone: (313)-664-2668
Website: http://connectlab.wayne.edu/
This Lab seeks to elucidate how brain morphology and function change over time in healthy older adults with and without memory complaints. Changes in functional brain connectivity and brain structure are measured with resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (RS-fMRI), diffusion weighted imaging (DWI), and structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The lab aims to detect possible early biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other dementias.

ELECTRA Study: Detection of Alzhiemer's and Dimentias

IOG Principle Investigator: Vojko Kavcic, PhD
Email: eq2623@wayne.edu
Study webpage: https://iog.wayne.edu/contact/labs/electra
Early and accurate detection of cognitive problems in older adults is a valuable weapon in the fight against Alzheimer's and other dementias. Vojko Kavcic,  PhD, is conducting a large-scale evaluation of a safe, noninvasive, low-cost, portable method to test older African Americans for brain changes that may presage Alzheimer's. He partners with Dr. Bruno Giordani of the University of Michigan on the project. This research is supported by the National Institutes of Health.

Daugherty Lab:Healthy Brain Aging Laboratory

Principle Investigator: Ana Daughtery, PhD
Phone: 313-577-3403
Email: daughertylab@wayne.edu
Website: https://s.wayne.edu/healthyaging/
In the Healthy Brain Aging Lab, we study metabolic and vascular health factors that shape neural and cognitive changes across the lifespan. We use advanced noninvasive neuroimaging techniques, cognitive assessments, physiological markers, and genetics to evaluate individual differences in the course of aging, including both risk (e.g., metabolic syndrome) and protective (e.g., aerobic exercise) health factors.

Leggett Lab: Caregiving

Principle Investigator: Amanda Leggett, PhD
Email: leggetta@wayne.edu
Webpage: https://iog.wayne.edu/iog.wayne.edu/research/lab/leggett
The Leggett lab focuses on approaches to care and the health and well-being of family caregivers, with a particular focus on care partners for persons living with dementia.

Ofen Lab: Cognitive and Brain Development Lab

Principle Investigator: Noa Ofen, PhD
http://ofenlab.wayne.edu/
313-664-2644, 2645 or 2646
Website: http://ofenlab.wayne.edu/
Research focused on how children and adults learn and remember information. We are particularly interested in understanding the brain basis for learning and memory, and how changes in the brain as children mature into adulthood are linked to changes in behavior.