Dear Alumni and Friends, Few scientific topics are as compelling as the field of cognition and aging. The UF Health academic health center is playing a leading role by expanding our research and discovery in this discipline. There has never been a more exciting time in neuroscience at the UF College of Medicine than now. I’m delighted to share with you in this issue of Florida Physician how researchers like Adam Woods, PhD, assistant director of the Center for Cognitive Aging and Memory in the Evelyn F. and William L. McKnight Brain Institute of UF, are investigating the process of cognitive aging. Spearheaded by Dr. Woods, and bringing together researchers from various groups across the university, a new clinical trial will help us better understand cognitive decline and develop ways we can enhance the effectiveness of cognitive training. In addition, other investigators in the McKnight Brain Institute are conducting studies that explore working memory, inflammation and connections between regions of the brain. The recent appointment of renowned scientist Todd Golde, MD, PhD, as the executive director of the McKnight Brain Institute will further promote collaborative neuroscience and cross-cutting investigations among basic, translational and clinical scientists. Brain research is not new to the UF College of Medicine. Since 2010 and under the direction of Dr. Golde, the UF Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease has been making great strides in translating basic discoveries in neurodegenerative disease and stroke into new and more effective medical therapies. Part of this focus has been to find preventive strategies and effective treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. Through the UF Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, or ADRC, we are conducting rigorous discovery science for the brain that may lead to the development of novel therapeutic approaches for Alzheimer’s disease. The promise the center holds will rapidly expand what we know about this devastating disease and other dementias. I am thrilled our institution is leading this effort in the southeast and look forward to the opportunity to become one of the premier ADRCs in the country. The true picture of a healthy, productive aging brain is so much more interesting and complex than any of us can begin to imagine. Thanks to a strong partnership between UF and the McKnight Brain Research Foundation, scores of researchers throughout the university, like Dr. Woods and Tom Foster, PhD, the Evelyn F. McKnight chair for research on cognitive aging and memory, are moving us closer to understanding and alleviating age-related memory loss. At a time when UF Health is preparing to open a new hospital devoted solely to neuromedicine later this year, continued growth in this area is essential. I hope those of you who are interested in advancing neuroscience will join us in providing the resources needed to really make headway in our understanding of the aging brain. Thank you for your passion for our work and ongoing support. Sincerely, Michael L. Good, MD Dean FROM THE DEAN
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