David Weinshenker, professor in the Department of Human Genetics at Emory University, will present “Mechanisms and Consequences of Locus Coeruleus Pathology in Alzheimer’s Disease,” Tuesday April 14, at 2:30 p.m. in Morrill 2, 222.

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Part of the Center for Research on Families’ Tay Gavin Erickson Lecture Series, the presentation will explain how the locus coeruleus (LC), the main source of norepinephrine (NE) in the central nervous system, is one of the first brain regions to accumulate pathology in the earliest stages of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and undergoes catastrophic degeneration as the disease progresses. Early LC-NE dysfunction is coincident with neuropsychiatric symptoms, while later LC degeneration predicts and exacerbates cognitive impairment. 

This talk will present evidence establishing causal relationships between AD-like pathology in the LC, LC-NE dysfunction, and neuropsychiatric symptoms, and validating LC-based approaches for the treatment of AD.

Weinshenker’s research focuses on the role of the locus coeruleus–norepinephrine system in behavior and neurochemistry. His work explores a range of conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases, affective disorders, and drug addiction. In addition to his research, he serves as assistant dean and director of the Office of Postdoctoral Education, scientific director of the Rodent Behavioral Core, director of the Research Education Component for the Goizueta Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, and co-principal investigator of the Alzheimer’s Disease Big Data to Biology T32 Training Program

To register for the event, complete the form found here.

More information about the Tay Gavin Lecture Series can be found on the CRF website.