Patrick J. Lao, PhD

A multiple biomarker approach to Alzheimer’s disease (i.e., amyloid-β, hyperphosphorylated tau, cerebrovascular disease, and neurodegeneration), informed by contextual factors (i.e., genetic, biological, social, environmental) for underrepresented and underserved groups, will provide the most reliable understanding of the complex disease course. Dr. Lao uses neuroimaging and biofluid biomarkers to characterize within-group disease pathogenesis while considering relevant contextual factors, including the high prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea in adults with Down syndrome, cerebrovascular health disparities in adults from minoritized racial/ethnic backgrounds, and stigma/discrimination in adults from minoritized sexual and gender backgrounds.