Research Projects

This project aims to understand the mechanisms behind age-related brain changes and test the hypothesis that a reduced level of endocannabinoids accelerates brain aging, neurodegeneration, and cognitive deficits. India is aging faster than previously thought, with working-age people expected to outnumber people over 60 and children under 15. The project focuses on understanding the mechanisms that underlie normal and pathological cognitive aging and identifying molecular pathways for novel therapies to ameliorate age-related mood and memory deficits. Preliminary data indicates that aging reduces the density of cannabinoid receptors 1 and their endogenous ligand, anandamide (feel-good endocannabinoids), in the hippocampus, responsible for learning, memory, and mood functions. A reduced level of endocannabinoids is linked with impaired cognitive flexibility, consolidated fear, and post-traumatic stress disorders in aged mice. The project aims to identify the role of endocannabinoids in age-associated cognitive and mood deficits and neurodegeneration, and to test if pharmacological modulation of endocannabinoids alleviates neurodegeneration and brain dysfunction in a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease and aged mice. Cognitive testing platforms will be used to assess mood, memory, cognitive flexibility, and extinction of unpleasant events in the mouse models and aged mice. The biosynthesis and degradation of endocannabinoids will be assessed to advance our understanding of neurodegeneration and Alzheimer's disease. The project aims to develop therapeutic strategies reversing cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's disease and aged mice using cannabidiol, a non-psychotic cannabinoid, and an FDA-approved drug for pediatric epilepsy and stress disorders.