Contribution of allostatic load and interoception to brain aging and risk for ad/ADRD - the objective of this K23 proposal is to foster my development as an independent investigator toward a…

The National Institute on Aging awarded $191,832 to North Florida Foundation For Research And Education, Inc. on August 15, 2026, under the Aging Research program (CFDA 93.866) to support a K23 career development grant focused on brain aging and Alzheimer's disease risk.

The award funds research investigating the relationship between cognition and the autonomic regulatory system in older adults at varying risk for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The principal investigator will characterize neural functioning of predictive coding networks, autonomic flexibility in response to cognitive load, and multi-system stress burden biomarkers using multimodal neuroimaging and blood-based biomarkers. The research builds on preliminary data from work with older adults recovering from mild traumatic brain injury showing associations between memory, autonomic functions, and predictive coding networks.

The award also supports the principal investigator's development as an independent investigator in clinical science and translational research through a structured training plan addressing expertise in clinical research with complex multimodal data, time-series analyses, fluid biomarkers, and mentorship to transition to independent research management.

Performance is based in Gainesville, Florida, with a period of performance from August 15, 2026, through May 31, 2031. The assistance type is a Project Grant.

Contribution of allostatic load and interoception to brain aging and risk for ad/ADRD - the objective of this K23 proposal is to foster my development as an independent investigator toward a clinical science career in brain aging research. Specifically, my research interests are in predicting cognitive trajectories in older adults by examining neural compensatory mechanisms (e.g., neuroplasticity, immune- stress responses), and in developing interventions which address these mechanisms, using them to reduce risk for alzheimer's disease (ad) and ad-related dementias (ADRD). As a neuropsychologist, I have gained clinical experience in the assessment of neurodegenerative diseases, as well as research experience with using multimodal neuroimaging to examine cognitive and neurophysiological mechanisms in brain aging. To ensure an independent career in translational research, the proposed training plan will address (1) the development of expertise in clinical research with complex, multi-modality data, training in timeseries analyses and fluid biomarkers, and (2) mentorship to transition to a translational research career with independence in all aspects of research development and management the goal of the proposed study is to characterize the relationship between cognition and multiple levels of the autonomic regulatory system, including the neural functioning of predictive coding networks, autonomic flexibility in response to cognitive load, and multi-system stress burden biomarkers. Preliminary data from my post-doctoral work in older adults recovering from mild traumatic brain injury, show strong associations between memory, autonomic functions, and predictive coding networks. This study will expand on my prior work by examining these relationships in older adults at varying risk for ad/ADRD, gaining understanding of autonomic burden impact through use of blood-based biomarkers, and advanced statistical methods to characterize ANS flexibility in response to cognitive load. Over the course of the award period, we will enroll approximately 75 older adults (ages 65-90), with a stratified recruitment strategy across cognitive phenotypes from normal aging to mild cognitive impairment (amnestic and non-amnestic). Magnetic resonance imaging will be acquired for all participants and include structural, metabolic, and functional imaging (resting state and interoceptive fmri task developed by the applicant). Lab-based objective measurement of autonomic flexibility will be collected at rest, during cognitive assessment. Neurobehavioral assessment includes comprehensive neuropsychological testing, as well as multi-system stress burden biomarkers and ad/ADRD. Specific aim 1 will determine the relationship between cognition, autonomic flexibility, and different levels of the autonomic regulatory system. Specific aim 2 will measure the moderating impact of cognitive phenotype on these relationships, to generate effect sizes for future proposals. Data generated from this study will have direct relevance to prognostic models of brain aging and interventions aimed at reducing risk for ad/ADRD, launching an independent line of research.