Gemma Casadesus Smith The International Congress of Neuroendocrinology 2014

Gemma Casadesus Smith

The focus of Dr. Casadesus research is to investigate the pathological mechanism(s) underlying memory loss and dysfunction during normal aging and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Current projects are directed toward studying how age-related hormonal changes contribute to memory dysfunction and development of AD with specific emphasis on gonadotropins and metabolic hormones such as leptin and amylin. Primary focus is placed on developing therapeutic strategies targeting these hormones and understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in these hormones ‘effects on synaptic plasticity and memory function. Dr. Gemma Casadesus earned her Ph.D. in physiological psychology from Tufts University (USA). She then carried out her postdoctoral training in the Pathology department at Case Western Reserve University studying oxidative and hormonal mechanisms involved in AD pathogenesis. Dr. Casadesus was recruited to Department of Neurosciences to develop and direct the CWRU Rodent Behavior where she remained as a faculty member until 2013. Dr. Casadesus currently holds a position of Associate professor of Biology at Kent State University. Dr. Casadesus has authored over 100 peer-reviewed manuscripts, chapters, and commentaries, has edited several books and special topics for various journals, and serves as editor in chief of Frontiers of Aging Neuroscience. Dr. Casadesus is a member of several editorial boards including Journal of Alzheimer’s disease, Neuropharmacology and Neurobiology of Aging, amongst others, serves in review panels and study sections for federal and private foundations and is a member of various scientific societies including Society for Neurosciences, the International Behavioral Neurosciences Society and the International Society for Neurochemistry.