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Epidemiology of Brain Resilience to Aging

University of Pittsburgh eBRAIN Group

The eBRAIN research group coordinates and analyzes studies that focus on the interplay between brain integrity and function in a variety of neuroepidemiological studies. We apply brain imaging methods in population studies, study risk factors, utilize cognitive and mobility measures, characterize central & peripheral contributors to function.

A Glimpse into Life at eBrain

Excited to share a glimpse into life at ebrain with the 2024 mentoring team and our mentees! Part of the mentoring process is recognizing that while we must dive deep into work with unwavering focus, we always need to make room for laughter and unforgettable moments...

‘Blue Zones’ around the world offer keys to longevity

Andrea Rosso is interviewed for a Post Gazette series about blue zones and how they translate in Pittsburgh. The story discusses the concept of "blue zones," areas around the world with the longest-living populations, and explores how the lifestyle habits of these...

How your brain ages, and some ways aging might be slowed

Thomas Kraynak's article on healthy brain aging is published to the Pittsburgh Post Gazette! In the article, Thomas Kraynak reflects on his grandma's incredible sharpness well into her nineties, noting how she stood out against the usual decline seen in older folks....

Celebrating Milestones: Greta Cheng and Kailyn Witonsky’s Dissertation Overviews

The eBrain community is beaming with pride as we celebrate a significant academic milestone achieved by two of our brilliant members, Greta Cheng and Kailyn Witonsky. Both Greta and Kailyn have successfully passed their dissertation overviews, marking a pivotal step...

Congratulations to eBrain’s Own Kailyn Witonsky!

We're excited to announce that Kailyn Witonsky, a valued member of the eBrain community, has successfully secured grant funding for her project. This achievement not only showcases her exceptional dedication and talent but also underscores the impact and importance of...

Celebrating Dr. C. Elizabeth Shaaban’s Remarkable Achievement in Alzheimer’s Research

We are thrilled to announce a significant achievement by one of our esteemed community members, Dr. C. Elizabeth Shaaban. Dr. Shaaban's recent publication in Alzheimer's & Dementia, titled "Consideration of sex and gender in Alzheimer's disease and related...

Dr. Rebecca Ehrenkranz published to the Journal of Experimental Gerontology

We are thrilled to congratulate our very own Rebecca Ehrenkranz, PhD, MPH on her latest publication in the Journal of Experimental Gerontology! 🌟 This study brings to light the distinct patterns of brain activity associated with energy and fatigue in older adults. Dr....

2024 William R. Hazzard, MD Translational Research in Aging Symposium

Closing Loops: Integrating Brain & Body Event Flyer Date: February 28, 2024 Time: 8:30am - 9:00am Location: Intergenerational Center for Arts and Wellness, 114 NW 30th St., Winston-Salem and on Zoom If you plan to attend all or part of the Symposium...

Winter Social with eBrain

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our wonderful, yearly, Winter Social with the eBrain Group! ❄️🥂 We had an incredible time celebrating a fantastic year together, and we're grateful for all the memories we created. Attached are some photos from the event,...

Thomas Kraynak: How your brain ages, and some ways aging might be slowed

Thomas Kraynak's article on brain aging has been published to the Pittsburgh Post Gazette. I wish I could have scanned my Grandma Kraynak’s brain before she died. Most people in their seventies and beyond tend to experience memory and other cognitive problems, or even...

A Glimpse into Life at eBrain

Blue-tinted aerial view of the Cty of Pittsburgh

‘Blue Zones’ around the world offer keys to longevity

How your brain ages, and some ways aging might be slowed

Greta Cheng and Kailyn Witonsky Pass their Dissertation Overviews

Celebrating Milestones: Greta Cheng and Kailyn Witonsky’s Dissertation Overviews

Congratulations to eBrain’s Own Kailyn Witonsky!

Celebrating Dr. Shaaban's contributions to Alzheimer's Research

Celebrating Dr. C. Elizabeth Shaaban’s Remarkable Achievement in Alzheimer’s Research

Dr. Rebecca Ehrenkranz published to the Journal of Experimental Gerontology

2024 William R. Hazzard, MD Translational Research in Aging Symposium

Winter Social with eBrain

Thomas Kraynak: How your brain ages, and some ways aging might be slowed

We are accepting applications!

Award Winners Group Photo from the Aging Institute Research Day

Congratulations to Richard Xu and Thomas Kraynak!

eBRAIN Leadership

Caterina Rosano, MD, PhD

Tenured Professor, Epidemiology

Andrea Rosso, MPH, PhD

Associate Professor, Epidemiology, Clinical and Translational Science Institute

Beth Shaaban, PhD, MPH

Assistant Professor, Epidemiology

Recent eBRAIN Research

LEGENNDS: Linking Epidemiology and GEnetics of Neurodevelopmental and Neurodegenerative Disorders Study

2023-2028
R01NS131433, NIH
Andrea Rosso
B. Lee (PI)

Neighborhood Environment and Risk of Cognitive Impairment in Older Adults across Southwestern Pennsylvania

2022-2023
Pitt UCSUR, Steven Manners
Faculty Development Award
Andrea Rosso

Unhealthy White Matter Connectivity, Cognition, and Racialization in Older Adults

2022-2026
5R01AG075025-02, NIABeth Shaaban

White matter hyperintensities (WMH) may promote clinical Alzheimer’s disease (AD) disparities between Black American (BA) and non-Hispanic White (nHW) populations. Using a novel measurement, unhealthy white matter connectivity (UWMC), we interrogated racialized group differences in associations between WMH in AD pathology-affected regions and cognition.

Neural and Energetic Drivers of Performance and Perceived Fatigability in Older Adults

2022-2026
5R01AG075025-02, NIA
Caterina Rosano (PI)

Higher fatigability, the degree to which someone is physically or mentally limited due to fatigue, is common and disabling in community-dwelling older adults. While fatigue associated with a disease can be ameliorated by targeting the underlying condition, the causes and definitions of fatigability in older age are not well understood and treatments are not available.