Capital District Times

Throughout the Albany Med Health System, geriatric medicine clinicians provide care for older patients with complex medical needs. These patients often require expertise from specialists in neurology, physical medicine and rehabilitation, and cardiology.

At Albany Medical College, a cross-departmental team of scientists is collaborating to address diseases associated with aging. Professors Margarida Barroso, PhD, Gabrielle Fredman, PhD, Kate MacNamara, PhD, and Associate Professor Kristen Zuloaga, PhD are part of this effort. Their research aims to understand disease processes related to aging and explore links between aging and age-related diseases like cardiovascular disease and dementia.

“Our work unites cardiovascular, neurovascular, hematologic, and drug targeting fields,” said Dr. Fredman. “This collaboration allows us to expand the depth and scope of each of our programs to hopefully foster discoveries that deepen our understanding of each condition and illuminate shared mechanisms across these major health challenges.”

Atherosclerosis occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries, narrowing them over time and reducing blood flow. This can lead to cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes. Dementias like Alzheimer’s disease are also increasing globally.

With seed grant support from MCP and DNET chairs, the scientists' first project studies the relationship between atherosclerosis and dementia. “Heart disease can exacerbate dementia,” said Dr. Zuloaga.

The researchers aim to uncover mechanisms linking atherosclerosis with cognitive decline related to cardiovascular disease by combining their expertise in immunology, imaging techniques for drug therapies efficacy measurement, Alzheimer’s research, and more.

“Each of our individual programs are strengthened by collaboration with the others,” said Dr. Fredman.

The team hopes their work will contribute widely to geroscience by investigating aging's role in health and disease. “We hope to push the envelope toward safer medications and a better understanding of the aging process,” said Dr. Fredman.