Research Areas

The CANE Lab brings together students and researchers from clinical psychology and neuroscience to advance brain health and aging. Our work is guided by a commitment to equity and real-world impact. We investigate how people experience changes in memory and thinking, why those experiences vary, and how to measure them in ways that reflect everyday life. By integrating community engagement with innovative and patient-focused science, we aim to improve early detection and create supports that better serve individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

Inclusive Research

We believe that Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia (ADRD) research should reflect the diversity of the communities it serves. Our lab works to break down barriers that limit participation by underrepresented groups, including rural residents and minoritized older adults. Through community partnerships, bilingual outreach, and culturally relevant study design we ensure that more voices are included in research. By making participation more inclusive, we not only strengthen our science but also advance health equity and create research that truly benefits all communities.

Understanding brain aging

No two people experience aging in the same way. Our lab examines why memory and thinking abilities change differently across individuals and groups. Using advanced statistical methods, cohort studies, and innovative tools like machine learning, we identify patterns that help explain and predict the course of cognitive aging and dementia. This work improves our understanding of the many pathways to brain health, supporting earlier detection and more accurate diagnoses.

Measuring what matters

Reliable and fair measurement is key to understanding brain health, tracking changes over time, and evaluating new treatments. Yet, many existing cognitive and patient-reported outcome tools were developed in limited populations and may not capture the experiences of diverse communities. Our lab evaluates how well these measures work across racial, ethnic, and language groups. We also work to develop new approaches that are both culturally valid and sensitive to everyday functioning. By refining these tools, we make research more inclusive and ensure that clinical assessments reflect the real-world lives of patients and families.

Interested in joining a study? Visit our Participant FAQ page to learn more.