In this episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal engages in an enlightening conversation with Ashley Carey, a PhD candidate and 2023 Toffler Scholar at Temple University's Lewis Katz School of Medicine. Ashley's research focuses on the neurovascular dysfunction and neuroinflammation associated with Alzheimer's disease. She shares her journey from aspiring marine biologist to neuroscience researcher, highlighting the importance of cardiovascular health in preventing Alzheimer's.

Guest Introduction: Ashley Carey

Ashley Carey is a PhD candidate and graduate research assistant in Dr. Silvia Fossati’s lab at Temple University. She is also a 2023 Toffler Scholar. Her research examines the impact of cardiovascular risk factors on Alzheimer's disease, specifically focusing on neurovascular dysfunction and neuroinflammation. Ashley's work aims to understand how conditions like hyperhomocystinemia and hypertension contribute to Alzheimer's pathology.

Key Discussion Points

Career Motivation and Journey:

• Ashley's transition from an interest in marine biology to neuroscience during undergraduate school
• The influence of Dr. Reynolds at Lafayette College in sparking her interest in research.
• Her decision to focus on Alzheimer's disease during her PhD program at Temple University.

Research Focus:

• Examining cardiovascular risk factors like hyperhomocystinemia and hypertension in Alzheimer's disease.
• Recent publication on endothelial cell dysfunction due to amyloid beta and homocysteine exposure.
• The role of cerebral endothelial cells in maintaining vascular integrity and their impact on Alzheimer's pathology.

Significant Findings:

• Additive effects of homocysteine and amyloid beta on endothelial cell dysfunction and increased permeability.
• The importance of vascular health in preventing early neuronal damage and cognitive decline.

Challenges in Alzheimer's Research:

• Difficulty in obtaining sufficient model samples due to the aging process and cardiovascular risk factors.
• Complexity of brain vasculature and overlapping pathways complicating research.
• Funding challenges and the impact of decreased NIA pay lines on dementia research.

Interdisciplinary Collaborations:

• Collaborative work with behavioral testing and biomarker studies.
• Contributions from the lymphatics department, investigating amyloid deposition in peripheral vessels.

Future Directions and Aspirations:

• Ashley’s goal to contribute to neurodegenerative disease research, possibly transitioning into a company or academia.
• The potential impact of early detection techniques and biomarker screening on Alzheimer's diagnosis and treatment.

Mentoring and Funding:

• Ashley's experience with mentorship from Dr. Fossati and its importance in her research journey.
• The role of the Toffler Scholar Grant  in supporting her research and supporting career goals.

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Until then, onward and upward!

To learn more about the breakthroughs discussed in this episode and to support ongoing research, visit our website at tofflertrust.org.

Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co.