Research Interests
My research interests are located at the interface of biological psychology and its application to the study of cognitive and emotional aging. I am particularly interested in how peripheral physiological systems (e.g., glucose metabolism) contribute to healthy cognitive aging and well-being.
Physiology and Cognitive Aging
Aging is not a uniform process. Whereas some older adults experience memory problems, others are able to retain youthful memory capacity. My research aims to understand the role of physiological functionality for maintaining cognitive health in old age. Creating the physiological profile of healthy cognitive aging could assist us in developing strategies to promote cognitive health in old age.
Glucose and Energy Resources
Glucose is the main energy fuel that our brain uses to perform its everyday functions. The brain, despite only accounting for about 2% of our body weight, consumes between 20-55% of available glucose resources in the body. As a result, suboptimal levels of glucose (too low or too high) can greatly affect people’s cognitive functions and mood. In old age, our ability to control glucose levels and maintain appropriate levels of energy is decreased. Using both experiments and longitudinal data, my research aims to understand how older adults’ difficulties in energy regulation can affect their memory, attention, and mood.
Cognitive Engagement
One of the main factors that determine whether older adults are able to maintain their cognitive abilities is their willingness to engage in mentally-challenging tasks. In old age, people’s ability to perform difficult tasks is significantly decreased. My goal is to understand what are the physiological mechanisms underlying older adults’ ability to perform difficult tasks. This could lead to the creation of interventions to improve engagement and help older adults maintain their cognitive capacity in old age.
Nutrients and Behavior
My research is interested in understanding how the things we eat and drink might affect our cognition and mood, particularly in old age. For example, I recently examined the validity of the ‘sugar rush’ – the notion that sugar can improve alertness and fatigue shortly after its consumption. Contrary to popular belief, my work has shown that the ‘sugar rush’ is a myth, and that sugar even increases fatigue and reduces alertness within the first hour after consuming it.
Additionally, my research aims to understand how changes in hydration status are associated with long-term consequences for cognition and well-being among older adults.