Our Research
The Center for Aging and Cognitive Dysfunction (“CACD”) is a multidisciplinary research hub within the Institute of Perioperative Medicine at UTHealth Houston, dedicated to exploring the molecular mechanisms of cognitive decline associated with aging and unraveling the complex factors contributing to brain dysfunctions under various disease conditions. Our objective is to elucidate fundamental disease mechanisms, identify novel therapeutic targets, and develop strategies to enhance brain health and resilience in patients undergoing major surgery or receiving critical care. As one of several organ-focused research centers at UTHealth Houston, the CACD leverages a comprehensive, integrative approach to advance the understanding and treatment of cognitive disorders.
Vision
To become a national and global leader in aging and cognitive disease research through innovative, therapy-targeted science and transformation of perioperative care.
Mission
- Advanced groundbreaking research on aging-related functional decline and cognitive dysfunction.
- Focus on lab-based discovery and clinically relevant interrogation.
- Develop novel therapeutic strategies.
- Train next-generation scientists and physician-scientists.
- Collaborate widely across specialties and institutions.
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Professor, Co-Director of Center for Aging and Cognitive Dysfunction
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Professor, Vice President for Translational Perioperative Research and Innovation, Co-Director of Center for Aging and Cognitive Dysfunction
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Assistant Professor, Department of Anesthesiology
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Assistant Professor, Department of Anesthesiology
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Assistant Professor, Department of Anesthesiology
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Associate Professor, Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University Medical Center
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Co-Founder & Chief Scientific Officer, NanoMosaic
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Associate Professor, Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine
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Vice President, Drug Discovery, UTHealth Houston
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Professor, Department of Neurology; Director, The George and Cynthia Mitchell Center for Research in Alzheimer’s disease and Related Brain Disorders
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Professor & Director, Center for Metabolic and Degenerative Diseases; Harry E. Bovay, Jr. Distinguished University Chair in Metabolic Disease Research
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Professor, Assistant Vice President, Vice Chair and Director of Translational Outcomes Research
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Professor & Associate Director, IMM-Center for Neuroimmunology and Glial Biology, Hans J. Muller-Eberhard, MD, PhD and Irma Gigli, MD Distinguished Chair in Immunology, Cullen Chair in Molecular Medicine
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Professor and Louis A. Faillace, MD Chair in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
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Professor
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Professor and Founding Director, IMM-Center for Neuroimmunology and Glial Biology; C. Harold and Lorine G. Wallace Distinguished University Chair