Our investigations have examined changes in the brain that occur during normal, healthy aging. For example, we have reported how the connections between brain regions may be interrupted by "subclinical structural brain disease" (SSBD) that occurs as we grow older, and that this interruption can produce subtle problems with cognition (e.g., memory complaints). ([abstract] or [full-text] from the Archives of Neurology).

We also reported that the volume of SSBD progresses over time in the major of subjects, and that the progression is greatest for individuals who have vascular risk factors (e.g. high blood pressure) ([abstract] or [full-text] from the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry)

We also reported that, additionally, the use of estrogen hormones may be related to the progression of SSBD in healthy aging. ([abstract] or [full-text] from the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry).

Connectivity and disconnection may be important factors in the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders. We have examined some of the evidence in a recent publication ([abstract] or [full-text] from Developmental Neuroscience) and are conducting additional prospective investigations to build in this direction.