From Cells to Sensors:  Interdisciplinary Research in Aging

“I was so much older then / I'm younger than that now.” (Bob Dylan, 1964)

People have long sought a Fountain of Youth. The Aging Mind and Brain Initiative (AMBI) uses science to uncover mechanisms of aging and develop ways to promote healthy brain aging across the lifespan. On April 30 from 4:00 to 5:30 pm at the Obermann Center, Dr. Matt Rizzo and other members of the AMBI will discuss how collaborative research in aging can bridge the gap between basic, clinical, and translational research across the wide spectrum of aging-related research across campus, so that the whole exceeds the sum of the parts.

Understanding how aging epigenetically affects brain functioning will allow the understanding, prevention, and effective treatment of cognitive degenerative disorders. The Grand Challenge is to design and implement specific interventions that measurably increase mind and brain health and quality of life across the lifespan of all Iowans. Indispensable ways to meet this challenge are to modify Iowan’s sedentary lifestyles that lead to known health risks, by translating discovery on key biologic, genetic, behavioral, and environmental underpinnings into action.

The talk will also include an opportunity for discussion and interaction with faculty members involved in aging research and programs at the University of Iowa. Presenters include Matt Rizzo (Neurology, Medicine), Veena Prahlad (Biology, CLAS), Kumar Narayanan (Neurology, Medicine), Kristi Williams (Nursing), and Michelle Voss (Psychology, CLAS).

This presentation is part of Obermann Afternoons, an informal speaker series at the Obermann Center that features faculty research and highlights issues of current importance.