Our lab is interested in understanding what drives regenerative and cognitive impairments in the aging brain, and moreover how the effects of aging can be reversed in the old brain. Our lab is focused on three areas. First, we are looking at how immune-related changes in old blood contribute to impairments in neural stem cell function and associated cognitive functions. Second, we are looking at the contribution of the innate immune system to age-related impairments in synaptic plasticity and cognitive function. Third, we are looking at how exposure to young and exercise blood rejuvenates neural stem cell function, synaptic plasticity and cognitive function in the old brain. Ultimately, our goal is to elucidate cellular and molecular mechanisms that promote brain rejuvenation as a means by which to combat age-related neurodegeneration and cognitive dysfunction.