brain image

September 2, 2024

The brain needs a lot of energy — far more than any other organ in the body — to work properly. And aging and Alzheimer’s disease both seem to leave the brain underpowered.

But an experimental cancer drug appeared to re-energize the brains of mice that had a form of Alzheimer’s — and even restore their ability to learn and remember.

Covid and Alzheimer's disease pathologies

New research from the University of Kentucky’s Sanders-Brown Center on Aging shows compelling evidence that the cognitive impairments observed in long COVID patients share striking similarities with those seen in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. 

An illustration of neuron activity in the brain.

The 14th annual Markesbery Symposium on Aging and Dementia is set for Sept. 27-28. The symposium, hosted by UK’s Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, is named in honor and memory of the late William R. Markesbery, MD, the founding director of Sanders-Brown.

Xian Wu, PhD

Despite the prevalence and toll of late-onset Alzheimer’s disease—the most common type, which begins after age 65— causes of the disease remain only partly understood.  Is it genes? Lifestyle? Environment?

Astrocytes in the brain

Scientists are experimenting with a novel approach to treating Alzheimer's disease in mice. They're using a drug that helps the brain make energy. NPR's Jon Hamilton says in a mouse, at least, the treatment can reverse memory loss.

In the United States, it's estimated that about 7 million people are living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. But the number of people with a formal diagnosis is far less than that.

Erin Abner, PhD, an epidemiologist at the University of Kentucky, said the results were not surprising and that there are many barriers to diagnosis.

Preet Patel working at a microscope in the laboratory.

Fourteen University of Kentucky students spent the summer expanding their research skills through the Commonwealth Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) Fellowship program, sponsored by the Office of Undergraduate Research and the Office of the V

Kentucky Edition
A watercolor painting of poppies, side-by-side with a palette of paints.

The University of Kentucky’s Sanders-Brown Center on Aging has introduced a groundbreaking initiative, Brain Health Activities, aimed at supporting individuals with dementia and their caregivers.

Sanders-Brown Center on Aging building

Researchers from the University of Kentucky’s Sanders-Brown Center on Aging and the University of California Irvine are some of the first to show socialization and enrichment are good for aging brains. 

Gregory A. Jicha

Gregory A. Jicha, MD, PhD, a professor and vice chair for academic affairs in the Department of Neurology in the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, associate director of the Sanders-Brown Center on Agingand the Robert T. and Nyles Y.

Bike4Alz team shoulder-to-shoulder in front of a sign that reads, "Welcome to Colorful Colorado"
Roberta Davis image

Roberta Davis has been a fixture of the University of Kentucky for the last 35 years. She has spent the last 26 at the Sanders-Brown Center on Aging.  This western Kentuckian is proud of her heritage and believes it is important to know where and who you come from. Roberta is the ninth of 15 children.

Larry Goldstein, MD

The University of Kentucky Public Relations and Strategic Communications Office provides a weekly health column available for use and reprint by news media.

Monica Bertagnolli at a podium, addressing a University of Kentucky audience.

Much of the research conducted at the University of Kentucky focuses on addressing key health challenges facing the Commonwealth from cancer to substance use.

Bojarski headshot

Lauren Bojarski, DO, joined the UK College of Medicine as a neurology resident in 2020, just as COVID-19 began to spread across the U.S. 

“I started my very first day learning how to gown up with personal protective equipment (PPE), which I was not expecting,” said Dr. Bojarski. “But once I met my co-residents and the attendings, I felt more at ease.” 

Ebbert and his team of three researchers standing in their lab.

Researchers at the University of Kentucky Sanders-Brown Center on Aging are working to develop a pre-symptomatic disease diagnostic tool for Alzheimer’s disease.

Yolanda Jackson (standing in the center) meets with focus group participants at First Baptist Church in Frankfort, Ky.

Yolanda Jackson worked for years as a clinical dietitian and University of Kentucky lecturer in dietetics and human nutrition before she decided to pursue a PhD in health communication —a field she describes as a “missing link” for making a positive impact in public health.

13 of the 14 students for this award, and the Cure Fellowship, Office of Undergraduate Research logo.

The University of Kentucky Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) is honored to announce that 14 students have been selected for the 2024 Commonwealth Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) Fellowship program.

James Overly in lab

My name is James Overly, and I am junior biology and neuroscience student. I have been in the lab of Daniel Lee, MD, at the Sanders-Brown Center on Aging for two years, where we study Alzheimer’s disease and other tauopathies. Under Dr.