Stern Lab

Research

Reference Ability Neural Networks (RANN)

Four primary “reference abilities” are thought to underlie performance on a wide-range of cognitive tasks: episodic memory, fluid ability, perceptual speed, and vocabulary. This study uses fMRI to identify distinct networks of brain activity associated with each of the reference cognitive abilities. Healthy adults are recruited from each decade from 20 to 80.

PI: Yaakov Stern

  • Identification of univariate and multivariate neural networks and statistical inference of construct validity: Christian Habeck
  • White matter integrity and cognition: Yunglin Gazes
  • Resting-State Bold fMRI/ Cortical thickness and cognitive aging: Qolamreza Razlighi
  • Mediation and moderation models of aging, cognition, and functional imaging: Jason Steffener
  • Nutrition and other lifestyle factors in relation to brain imaging markers: Yian Gu

Imaging of Cognition, Learning, and Memory in Aging

The goal of this study is to understand the neural basis of Cognitive Reserve (CR). CR is thought to mediate the relationship between age- or AD-related neuropathology and the functional or clinical consequences of this pathology. Various imaging and analytic approaches are used to model the relationship between age-related neural changes, CR, and cognition.

PI: Yaakov Stern

  • Cognitive Reserve networks: Christian Habeck
  • Multimodal and multivariate image analyses: Jason Steffener
  • Resting-State Bold fMRI and Cognitive Aging; Region Based Spatial Normalization of fMRI data: Qolamreza Razlighi
  • Resting-State Bold fMRI: functional connectivity and temporal variability and their diagnostic and prognostic potential: Christian Habeck
  • Task Switching: Teal Eich
  • White matter integrity and CR: Yunglin Gazes

The Predictors Study

This is a multi-center, clinic-based study of predictors of progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Over 500 prevalent cases were followed longitudinally. The current Predictors cohort comprises incident AD cases identified through WHICAP.

PI: Yaakov Stern

  • Predictive models of AD progression:  Yaakov Stern
  • BMI, nutrition, and lifestyle factors: Yian Gu
  • Social cognition and metacognition: Stephanie Cosentino
  • Healthcare utilization: Caroline Zhu
  • Caregiver burden: Katherine Ornstein
  • Executive functions:  Anna MacKay-Brandt
  • Changes in white matter integrity: Yunglin Gazes
  • Functional imaging changes: Christian Habeck