Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia in the elderly. It begins with subtle memory loss and progresses relentlessly. AD ultimately involves higher cognitive function capabilities, leading to complete incapacitation and death. It is a complex disease with many contributing factors (including genetics) which is one of the reasons there is currently no cure for this devastating disorder.

Many of the neurodegenerative disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) that are studied at the Center for NeuroGenetics have molecular and phenotypic similarities with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Lessons learned on how complex diseases like ALS arise and how they can be treated may provide clues to other neurological diseases with similar disease mechanisms like AD. As scientists we are driven to understand the underlying biology that causes neurological disease and apply this knowledge to improving human health.

Our Research

Our research on Alzheimer’s disease focuses on applying the fundamental knowledge gained from understanding the molecular mechanisms of other neurodegenerative repeat expansion diseases. How cellular processes react to stress, cope with aging, and handle injury are common scientific avenues of research that can be applied across a large group of diseases. 

Get Involved with Research

If you would like information about any of the opportunities listed below, please contact Deborah Morrison.

ONGOING RECRUITMENT

Work in a Lab

Are you a passionate student or post-doc looking making to an impact on Neurogenetic research at the University of Florida? Candidates are encouraged to contact individual CNG faculty members to inquire about research opportunities in the CNG.

three women working side-by-side in the lab

Researchers at the CNG Studying Diseases of Interest

Laura P W Ranum
Department: Molecular Genetics & Microbiology

Laura P W Ranum

Kitzman Family Professor Of Molecular Genetics And Microbiology; Director Center For NeuroGenetics
Phone: (352) 294-5209
Kotaro Fujii
Department: Molecular Genetics & Microbiology

Kotaro Fujii

Assistant Professor
Phone: (352) 273-7279
Maurice S Swanson
Department: Molecular Genetics & Microbiology

Maurice S Swanson

Professor And Associate Program Director
Phone: (352) 273-8076
Eric Wang
Department: Molecular Genetics & Microbiology

Eric Wang

Associate Professor
Phone: (352) 273-7601