Home Department: Human Biology
Mentor: Timothy Durazzo (Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences)

"Differences in Brain Metabolism and Treatment Response in Alcohol Use Disorder as a Function of APOE4 Genotype"

As life expectancy increases, Alzheimer’s disease poses a threat to aging Veterans, particularly those with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). Genetic risk factors like APOE4 may increase neurobiological abnormalities; however, associations with treatment response remain unclear. This project uses existing clinical data from Veterans with AUD to examine the association of APOE4 genotypes with memory, brain structure, and brain metabolism. Complementary mouse studies will assess mitochondrial energy dysfunction and inflammation in alcohol-exposed Alzheimer models using cellular markers quantified with learning algorithms. Identifying these mechanisms is essential for developing accessible, individualized strategies to reduce Alzheimer disease risk in Veterans with AUD.