Diseases

Neuropharmacology of Microvascular Stroke

Microvascular stroke creates tiny ischemic lesions, making this pathology difficult to study. Recent evidence suggests an accumulation of microvascular strokes can contribute to the onset of Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. The long-term goal of our research program are to employ a new model of microvascular stroke to develop novel drug targets to treat stroke locally within the neurovascular unit. This work will enhance our knowledge of the molecular events underlying microvascular stroke and how to promote brain cell recovery.

Pericytes in Aging and Alzheimer's Disease

We are also interested in chronic changes in pericyte physiology with aging and during Alzheimer's Disease that potentially impact local blood flow.