Gerontology Research Program

Overview

The Gerontology Research Unit, directed by Deborah Blacker, MD, ScD, takes a broad approach to the study of cognitive aging and Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders.

One major focus of our work over the years has been early recognition of the prodromal phase of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other dementing illnesses, initially Mild Cognitive Impairment, and then on earlier manifestations of cognitive decline since expected and foreseeable interventions are more likely to be able to preserve than restore nerve function. The GRU is affiliated with multiple research groups and projects focused directly in this area (see list below), as well as other groups researching related topics in caregiver support, stroke, geriatrics, and vascular cognitive impairment, and Medicare policy.

Research Projects

• The Massachusetts Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center
• The Harvard Aging Brain Study
• The Dickerson Lab
• The Mongan Institute Health Policy
• The Center for Health Outcomes and Interdisciplinary Research
• The Center for Aging and Serious Illness
• The J Philip Kistler Stroke Research Center

Research Team

Deborah Blacker, MD, ScD (MGH)
dblacker@mgh.harvard.edu

Jennifer Gatchel, MD (MGH)
jgatchel@mgh.harvard.edu