Priya Balasubramanian, BVsc, PhD

Role of endothelial senescence on age-related cognitive decline

Cognitive abilities are important for performing simple tasks like making a cup of coffee to more complex jobs like driving. As we age, certain cognitive abilities gradually deteriorate. There is strong evidence that dysregulation in cerebral blood flow responses in the aged brain significantly contributes to neuronal dysfunction and cognitive impairment. Recent research demonstrates that blood-brain barrier disruption and consequential activation of the microglia contributes to neuroinflammation and subsequent alterations in cerebral blood flow. Dr. Balasubramanian's research focuses on understanding why this happens with the aim of identifying therapeutic targets to restore cerebral blood supply and delay or slow the rate of cognitive decline in the aging population.