UB Nursing Researcher Advances Alzheimer’s Detection and Treatment Through Sleep and Biomarker Studies
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the University at Buffalo (UB) School of Nursing is at the forefront of Alzheimer’s disease research, with faculty member Dr. Holly Weiss pioneering work in sleep health and biomarker identification. This research is especially timely given the recent FDA approval of blood tests for Alzheimer’s disease, offering the potential for earlier detection and intervention. Dr.Weiss’s research aims to understand how to best support cognitive function in those early stages, and identify disparities in diagnosis and treatment.
Early Detection and the Need for Intervention
The newly approved blood tests represent a important step forward in Alzheimer’s diagnosis, offering a less invasive option to conventional methods like PET scans and spinal taps. However, early detection is only the first step. Clinicians require effective, non-invasive interventions to preserve cognitive function once a diagnosis is made. This is where Dr.Weiss’s research on the link between sleep and neurodegeneration becomes crucial.
“When patients recieve answers sooner, clinicians need effective, noninvasive interventions to help preserve cognitive function,” according to administrators at the UB school of Nursing.
dr. Weiss’s Research: Sleep,Biomarkers,and Vitamin B3
Dr.Weiss is currently investigating the impact of sleep on cognitive decline and exploring potential therapeutic interventions.She has received a grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to study the effects of nicotinamide riboside (NR), a form of vitamin B3, on sleep and memory in older adults. NR is a precursor to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a coenzyme involved in cellular energy production and repair, and has shown promise in preclinical studies for improving cognitive function.
Beyond NR, Dr. Weiss is focused on identifying new biomarkers associated with Alzheimer’s and related conditions,with a particular emphasis on understanding differences across demographics. She is specifically studying obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and its connection to Alzheimer’s risk, as well as disparities in diagnosis and treatment among African Americans.
“I am blessed to bring modern, ultrasensitive technology to my lab at the University at Buffalo School of Nursing while also working to identify new biomarkers associated with specific clinical conditions and demographics, such as obstructive sleep apnea and African Americans,” Dr. Weiss stated.
Collaboration and Future Funding
Dr. Weiss’s work is fostering new collaborations within UB, particularly with the university’s wet lab facilities, and opening doors to expanded funding opportunities. She is actively seeking support from organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association to further her research. This collaborative approach is expected to accelerate the development of new diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer’s disease.
Key Takeaways:
* Early Detection: New FDA-approved blood tests offer a less invasive way to detect Alzheimer’s disease.
* Sleep’s Role: Dr. Holly Weiss’s research highlights the critical link between sleep health and cognitive function in Alzheimer’s.
* Vitamin B3 (NR): Studies are underway to investigate the potential benefits of nicotinamide riboside for improving sleep and memory in older adults.
* biomarker Revelation: Research is focused on identifying new biomarkers to improve diagnosis and understand demographic disparities.
* Collaboration: UB Nursing is fostering collaborations to advance Alzheimer’s research and secure funding.