Section on Geriatrics, Gerontology, and Aging

Caregiver and senior woman playing with abaco toy

The Section on Geriatrics, Gerontology, and Aging conducts epidemiological, translational, and intervention research in various areas of aging and Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias (ADRD). These areas include research in risk factors and prevention of ADRD and cognitive impairment including observational studies and clinical trials, research in the health of caregivers of persons with ADRD including observational studies and clinical trials, aging and brain outcomes of diabetes and related metabolic conditions including human and animals studies, detection of cognitive impairment in primary care and community settings, and health disparities in aging and ADRD.  The research program is currently supported by research grants from NIA (R01AG058571, R01AG058969, R01AG050440, AG051556, AG055299, AG057898), NINR (R01NR014430), and NIDDK (U01DK04804, U01DK098246). The Section also includes a mentoring program supported by grants from NIA (K24AG045334, P30AG05903).

Leadership

  • Jose A Luchsinger, MD, MPH

    • Co-Director, Section on Geriatrics, Gerontology, and Aging
    • Robert F. Loeb Professor of Medicine and Professor of Epidemiology at CUMC
    • Vice-Chair for Clinical and Epidemiologic Research, Department of Medicine
    Profile Headshot

  • Jeanne A. Teresi, EdD, PhD

    • Co-Director, Section on Geriatrics, Gerontology, and Aging
    • Assistant Professor of Medical Sciences (in Medicine) at CUMC

Our Team

  • Sunmoo Yoon, PhD

    • Associate Research Scientist in the Department of Medicine

  • Luis Arguello

    • Clinical Research Coordinator

  • Froogh Aziz

    • Statistical Analyst/Data Manager

  • Richard Benitez

    • Project Manager

  • Sam Cammack

    • Clinical Research Manager

  • Sandino Cespedes

    • Clinical Research Coordinator

  • Isabella Dechiario

    • Clinical Research Coordinator

  • Luisa Espinal

    • Project Manager

  • Gerardo Febres

    • Program Manager

  • Gabriela Hernandez Santiago

    • Program Manager

  • Diana Marin

    • Clinical Research Coordinator

  • Dianilka Martinez

    • Program Manager

  • Yanette Mesen

    • Clinical Research Coordinator

  • Thais Oliveira

    • Clinical Research Coordinator

  • Jose Sanchez

    • Clinical Research Coordinator

  • Greysi Sherwood

    • Program Manager

  • Luisa Soto

    • Clinical Research Coordinator

  • Lenfis Valdez

    • Project Manager

Current Studies

Metformin in Alzheimer’s dementia Prevention (MAP) Study

The Metformin in Alzheimer’s dementia Prevention (MAP) Study is a research study looking at whether metformin can help prevent memory decline for people with mild memory concerns.

Testing Olfaction in Primary Care to Detect Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias (TOPAD) Study

A detailed look at the TOPAD study: its investigators, the project description, current progress, and available data for data sharing and ancillary study analysis.
Older female patient with her caretaker