Skip Navigation and Go To Content

Center for Aging and Cognitive Dysfunction

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.

Center Directors

 Wei Cao
PhD
Professor, Co-Director of Center for Aging and Cognitive Dysfunction
 Zhongcong Xie
MD, PhD
Professor, Vice President for Translational Perioperative Research and Innovation, Co-Director of Center for Aging and Cognitive Dysfunction

Core Members

 Matthew DeBerge
PhD
Assistant Professor, Department of Anesthesiology
 Dongze Zhang
MD
Assistant Professor, Department of Anesthesiology
 Yu
PhD
Assistant Professor, Department of Anesthesiology

Affiliated Members

 Guang Yang
PhD
Associate Professor, Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University Medical Center
 Qimin Quan
PhD
Co-Founder & Chief Scientific Officer, NanoMosaic
 Xiaolong Jiang
PhD
Associate Professor, Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine