Introducing the Center for Cognitive Aging and Memory (CAM)

Please learn about the work of our new departmental colleagues (Friday Colloquium, May 26 2017, 12 pm, Communicore C1-4)

 

University of Florida  Department of Clinical & Health Psychology Intern Research Series

When and Where: Friday Colloquium, May 26, 2017 ~ 12:00 PM, Communicore Room C1-4

Title: Overview Presentation: Center for Cognitive Aging and Memory: Mission, objectives and research 

Substantive Presentation 1: Non-Invasive Neuromodulation Interventions for Cognitive Aging

Substantive Presentation 2: Frontal GABA Concentrations are Associated with Cognitive Performance in Older Adults

Speakers: Ronald Cohen, PhD, ABPP-CN, Adam J. Woods, Ph.D., & Eric C. Porges, Ph.D.

Summary: Dr. Cohen will provide the overview presentation. His summary states: “The Center for Cognitive Aging and Memory (CAM) is supported by endowments from the McKnight Brain Research Foundation with the mission to conduct cutting-edge interdisciplinary clinical neuroscience and translational research on age-associated cognitive, behavioral and emotional functioning, factors that contribute to impairments and functional decline, and future avenues for intervention. The primary objective is to translate basic science discoveries into clinical applications in order to slow, avert or restore age-related cognitive decline and memory loss. Current lines of research and existing resources directed at meeting this objective will be discussed, including efforts to develop biomarkers and interventions for cognitive aging.”

Dr. Woods will provide the second substantive presentation. His summary states:”Dr. Woods will provide a brief overview of his work over the past decade using non-invasive neuromodulation to alter brain function and improve cognition in older adults and other populations. This talk will span his early work on peripheral sensory stimulation as a method for modulating brain arousal systems to treat spatial neglect following stroke to his most recent Phase II and III RCT work using transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) paired with cognitive training to combat cognitive aging and slow the onset of dementia in older adults. “

Dr. Porges will provide the second substantive presentation. His summary states: “Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the brain’s principal inhibitory neurotransmitter, has been associated with perceptual and attentional functioning. Recent application of magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) provides in vivo evidence for decreasing GABA concentrations during adulthood. It is unclear, however, how age-related decrements in cerebral GABA concentrations contribute to cognitive decline, or whether previously reported declines in cerebral GABA concentrations persist during healthy aging. Our recent findings, from a large, healthy, older population indicate that cognitive function is sensitive to cerebral GABA concentrations in the frontal cortex, and GABA concentration in frontal and posterior regions continue to decline in later age. These effects suggest that proton MRS may provide a clinically useful method for the assessment of normal and abnormal age-related cognitive changes and the associated physiological contributors.”

For questions regarding Friday Colloquia please contact marsiske@phhp.ufl.edu