What inspired you to pursue aging research?
According to a report by the World Health Organization, the global population is shifting towards older age demographics. By 2030, 1 in 6 people worldwide will be 60 years or over. As the population ages, there is a growing need to understand the mechanisms underlying aging, identify factors contributing to age-related diseases, and develop strategies to improve health and quality of life in the elderly.
In your view, what does AFAR mean to the field, and what does it mean, for you, to receive an AFAR grant now?
AFAR is renowned for its dedication to advancing the field of aging research by supporting scientists who explore fundamental biological questions about aging. Additionally, AFAR offers invaluable opportunities for researchers to connect with a diverse scientific network focused on aging. I am honored to receive the AFAR postdoctoral fellowship, which provides me with an exceptional opportunity to develop and execute an exciting project aimed at uncovering a novel mechanism behind age-related sleep deficits. With AFAR's support, I will actively participate in aging symposia and seminars, building connections with fellow scientists in the field across the nation. This esteemed fellowship will significantly expand my perspective on aging research and support my career development towards becoming an independent researcher in aging biology.
What is exciting about your research’s potential impact?
Sleep disorders are prevalent among the elderly and are associated with a higher risk of both physical and mental health issues, as well as increased mortality rates. Despite this, the mechanisms underlying age-related sleep disturbances are not fully understood. The proposed study aims to elucidate the relationship between altered dopamine signaling and age-related sleep deficits. By advancing our mechanistic understanding of age-related sleep deficits, this research will pave the way for targeted interventions to alleviate sleep issues and improve overall well-being in the elderly population.
How would you describe your research to a non-scientist?
As people age, they often experience sleep issues, which may be related to a gradual decline in dopamine, a key brain chemical. My research investigates how changes in dopamine activity affect a specific brain region involved in sleep regulation. I will compare sleep patterns and brain activity in young and older mice, as well as in mice with disrupted dopamine levels, to explore the link between dopamine and sleep. Our goal is to understand how altered dopamine activity leads to sleep problems in aging and to identify new strategies to improve sleep in older adults.
