Event

Part of the BCTR’s Talks at Twelve Series.

Alzheimer’s disease is not only a disease of old age. It begins decades earlier in the brainstem, in a small group of cells – the locus coeruleus – that supply the entire brain with a crucial modulatory neurotransmitter involved in sleep, stress and focus. Dr. Riley’s research is focused on describing the structure and function of the locus coeruleus across the lifespan to make it possible to identify unfavorable changes that may precede symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease by many years or even decades. This research is further informed by looking across time periods, cultures and locations to try to determine how Alzheimer’s disease truly takes root and what each of us can do right now to protect our brains.

Elizabeth Riley received her undergraduate degree in biological engineering from MIT and her PhD in neuroscience from Boston University School of Medicine. She then trained in human neuroscience at the Boston VA and Cornell University. She combines a technical and mechanistic orientation with a broad interest in human health across the lifespan and across and within cultures. Her primary focus is on developing and refining the understanding of modulatory neurotransmitter systems in the brain, especially the locus coeruleus norepinephrine system, including its relationships with neurodegenerative disease, somatic health and psychosocial health. She uses MRI, pupillometry, and vagus nerve stimulation as tools to assess the state of the noradrenergic system. In all her work, she strives to generate and extend a sense of community to her colleagues, students, research participants, and the greater world through a genuine love of knowledge, ethical leadership, cultural competence, and dedication to diversity.