Effects of Aging and Early Alzheimer Pathology on Cortical Mechanisms of Memory

Explore groundbreaking research on aging and Alzheimer's disease in this comprehensive lecture by Stanford neuroscientist Dr. Elizabeth Mormino. Learn how multiple pathological processes interact with memory-supporting brain regions, causing subtle performance differences before clinical impairment becomes apparent. Discover the latest findings on amyloid plaques and tau tangles in clinically unimpaired older adults, and understand how Dr. Mormino's lab has identified varying patterns of tau PET signals in crucial cortical areas related to visual associative memory. Examine the relationship between genetic risk factors (APOE4+) and reduced cortical reinstatement during memory retrieval, while understanding how abnormal tau levels in cerebrospinal fluid correlate with memory mechanisms. Gain insights into how both tau abnormalities and cortical reinstatement strength independently influence memory performance, highlighting multiple age-related pathways affecting memory function. The lecture draws from Dr. Mormino's extensive research experience, including her pioneering work with Amyloid PET imaging and longitudinal cognitive studies of individuals with abnormal Alzheimer's biomarkers.