Sleep, Cognition and Biomarkers of Alzheimer's Disease
Exploring the intricate relationship between sleep, cognitive function, and the risk of Alzheimer's Disease in older adults.
Project description
Neurodegeneration and the accumulation of metabolic waste, such as beta-amyloid and tau proteins, are hallmarks of Alzheimer's Disease. The glymphatic system, a perivascular system in the brain, removes said metabolic waste during sleep. Consequently, sleep disturbances affect approximately 50% of older adults and are usually associated with cognitive impairment, which affects 10% of those aged ≥ 65 years and 50% of adults ≥ 85 years.
This project focuses on the benefits of dietary supplements (nicotinamide riboside, a form of vitamin B3) in improving sleep quality, duration, cognitive function, and serum biomarkers of cognitive function in older adults.
Project outcome
The specific outcomes of this project will be identified by the faculty mentor at the beginning of your collaboration.
Learning outcomes
- Determining the benefits of NR supplementation on objective sleep duration and sleep quality.
- Understanding cognition and interactions with serum biomarkers.
Project details
| Length of commitment | About a semester; 3-5 months |
| Start time | Fall, Spring, Summer |
| Engagement format | In-Person |
| Level of collaboration | Large group collaboration (4+ students) |
| Potential benefits | Academic credit annd/or work study |
| Who is eligible | Undergraduate students with laboratory experience in molecular biology or biochemistry. Any undergraduate student in Nursing, Public Health, and Pharmacological, Biomedical, and Computer Sciences are encouraged to apply. |
Project mentor
Carleara Weiss
Assistant Professor
Nursing
Phone: (716) 829-3261
Email: carleara@buffalo.edu
Start the project
- Email the project mentor using the contact information above to express your interest and get approval to work on the project. (Here are helpful tips on how to contact a project mentor.)
- After you receive approval from the mentor to start this project, click the button to start the digital badge. (Learn more about the digital badge.)
Preparation activities
The specific preparation activities for this project will be customized through discussions between you and your project mentor. Please be sure to ask them for the instructions to complete the required preparation activities.
Keywords
sleep, cognitive function, Alzheimer's disease, biomarkers