ABOUT US

The EngAGING Lab was established in 2024 by Dr. Sharon Sanz Simon, an Assistant Professor at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School (Department of Psychiatry), and researcher at the Krieger Klein Alzheimer’s Research Center at Rutgers Brain Health Institute.

Our research focuses on individual/lifestyle factors and social determinants of health that influence risk and resilience to cognitive aging and Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) in heterogeneous populations.

In addition, our research program aims to investigate the effects and mechanisms of non-pharmacological interventions in cognitive aging, integrating technology (e.g., web-interface, digital biomarkers), and neurobiological outcomes (e.g., neuroimaging, electrophysiology, blood-based biomarkers) into lifestyle interventions (e.g., cognitive training, physical exercise, sleep and diet). Currently, we are developing an online educational and cognitive training program to enhance cognitive functioning in older adults.

By employing community-engaged research approaches, our lab partners with local communities to engage different populations in science participation and enhance the representation of underserved communities in aging and ADRD research.

Our mission is to disseminate evidence-based health policy strategies, interventions, and recommendations to promote brain and mental health in older adults, fostering healthy aging and dementia prevention.