Sierra Pacific (VISN 21) MIRECC
Research Overview
Our research approach is to define risk factors for cognitive decline in older Veterans then to develop and implement novel countermeasures to minimize this to decline. To accomplish this work we have specialized cores that characterize the complexity of older Veterans from the structure and function of their brains to the genetic and neurochemical biology of their sleep and other behavior. Whereas we have divided the research into dementia and PTSD directed programs there are several that overlap. For example the study of health issues related to anxiety and PTSD that put these Veterans at risk for dementia would integrate both domains and is an example of the synergy of studying both disorders in one center. Since the bulk of our clinical work is funded clinical trials and clinical demonstration projects, much of what is described in the education section could be considered applied clinical research.
