Camila Nedeff
Pronouns: she/her
Research Mentor(s): Jun Kim
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Kresge Hearing Research Insitutue / Medicine
Program:
Authors: Camila Nedeff, Jiwon Park, Jun Kim
Session: Session 5: 2:40 pm – 3:30 pm
Poster: 32
Abstract
Aging is a combination of biological processes and physiological changes that ultimately leads to decreased physical and mental capacity of an organism. This can have profound impacts on one’s health and overall quality of life. Health risks associated with aging include hearing loss and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and there has been increasing evidence that the two are linked. While such connections have been revealed, the underlying processes as to why these relationships exist are still not fully known. This research aims to investigate the effects of hearing loss on AD by integrating ear plug insertion with the 5x FAD mouse model. Novel object recognition and open field tests were used to test learning, memory, and general motor function activity levels of these models since memory loss is a symptom commonly associated with AD. Data was collected through video recordings and analyzed using ToxTrac software. Rather than testing if an already created treatment is effective, this project works to understand how biological and psychological processes interact to then facilitate the development of treatments. Specifically, future findings could be used to inform hearing loss treatments and improve preventative and therapeutic strategies for people with AD.
