Alzheimer's Research
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to apply cutting edge technology to understand dementia and ideally prevent or ameliorate the
suffering caused by it. We study healthy adults and patients with dementia using state of the art
MRI technology. Along with many other labs in the world, we are interested in how the shape and
neuronal connections in the brain differ between successful and impaired aging. However, we bring
uniquely powerful ability to also study brain chemistry noninvasively. Using ultra-high magnetic
field (7 Tesla) MRI, we can see more than a dozen relevant chemicals, including the antioxidant vitamin
C. We have noticed that our methods pick up subtle differences in the brain chemistry of people who
have Alzheimer’s disease. We partner with dementia care specialists and data science experts to design
relevant research and make the best possible use of the data we collect. Embedded in our mission is a
practical understanding of the importance of engaging and serving underrepresented groups in our
program. Our team includes scientists at various career stages including undergraduate, all of whom
make valuable contributions toward serving our mission of ultimately improving quality of life for
everyone.
OUR DISCOVERIES
Meet the Team
Dr. Melissa Terpstra, Ph.D.
Team Leader/Principal Investigator
B.S. Physics, Ph.D. Medical Physics
Professor, Radiology and Director of the NextGen Imaging Facility
Hometown: Milaca, MN
A statement from Dr. Terpstra:
“I selected my graduate program consistent with my goal to apply my technical skills and abilities to advance human wellness. When I discovered human brain imaging technology for vitamin C, I realized that this might help us to understand oxidative stress in Alzheimer’s disease. My goal is to keep making discoveries, and not give up on this challenging disease. Our unique work stands a chance of helping patients who need a better solution.”
Nanan Nuraini
Graduate Student
Hometown: Indonesia
Ph.D. Neuroscience
Nanan's innovative research program studies cognitive and behavioral neuroscience in individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly Autism, and Aphasia, which is a rare type of dementia.
Mary York
Graduate Research Assistant
Hometown: Lonedell, MO
M.S. student, Data Science and Analytics
Mary ensures that data is maintained and stored in a format that lends itself to analysis. She also gets to work hands-on to build and test machine learning models aimed at the classification of Alzheimer's disease status and uncovering disease-related questions.
Mia Ruppel
Graduate Research Assistant
Hometown: Lake Saint Louis, MO
B.S. Biomedical Engineering, M.S. student, Biological Engineering
Mia's focus in the lab is on magnetic resonance spectroscopy data processing. Her thesis work intends to manipulate processing techniques to see how various outcomes in aging and Alzheimer's are affected.
Reagan Bradley
Student Intern
Hometown: Park Hills, MO
B.S. student, Health Science and Biological Sciences (Emphasis in Medical Science and Human Biology)
Reagan works to expand her knowledge on neurological processes and better understand certain health outcomes associated with an aging mind. She enjoys working with medical equipment such as the 7 Tesla MRI scanner.