Neurodevelopment and Neurodegenerative Diseases

Members:

• Emily S. Barrett, Ph.D.
• Deborah A. Cory-Slechta, Ph.D.
• Philip W. Davidson, Ph.D.
• Alison Elder, Ph.D.
• Todd A. Jusko, Ph.D.
• Margot Mayer-Proschel, Ph.D.
• Gary J. Myers, M.D.

• Mark Noble, Ph.D.
• M. Kerry O’Banion, M.D., Ph.D.
• J. Edward Puzas, Ph.D.
• Edwin. VanWinjgaarden, Ph.D.
• Gene Watson, DDS, Ph.D.
• Wojciech Zareba, M.D., Ph.D.

Goals of the Program

• To identify mechanisms, processes and other intrinsic factors that link exposures of environmental pollutants to human diseases of the nervous system.
• To these findings into preventive actions and interventions that reduce or eliminate exposure risks.

An overall theme is that fetal and early developmental exposures combined with other factors can negatively influence health outcomes throughout the life cycle, with some outcomes appearing in the elderly.

Research Focus Groups

Neurodevelopmental and Cognitive Disorders Focus Group

Research here focuses on the effects of early developmental exposures to neurotoxicants and the corresponding consequences for cognitive, motor, and sensory function later in life.

Neurodegenerative Diseases Focus Group

Research in this group focuses on neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, and how these diseases may be affected by environmental toxicants.