Alaina Reagan, Ph.D.

Often dementia presents with a cerebrovascular component that contributes to the development of the disease. However, this area of research is understudied because few mouse models represent vascular decline in a way that mimics the human disease. Using the Howell lab's expertise in mouse genetics and my background in vascular biology, we are testing whether genetic perturbations in vascular development increase the risk for cognitive impairment and dementia with age. Additionally, we are interested in how exercise influences cerebrovascular reserve, and if its implementation reduces risk of cognitive decline and dementia.