Giovanna Pilonieta, PhD, DDS

2025 McKnight Clinical Translational Research Scholarship in Cognitive Aging and Age-Related Memory Loss

How Modifiable Health Behaviors Connect to Depression, Anxiety, and Cognitive Function

Institution: University of Alabama at Birmingham

Project Summary:

Research suggests that 40% dementia cases may be attributable to modifiable health behaviors like blood pressure and weight control, smoking, alcohol consumption, and regular physical activity. In addition to these health behaviors, modifiable health factors such as depression and anxiety contribute to cognitive decline and an increased Alzheimer’s disease risk. Research has also found that depression and anxiety is higher in women compared to men.

Dr. Pilonieta’s study aims to explore the relationship between modifiable health behaviors, mental health, and cognitive function in older adults. She will also examine gender-based differences in these associations.

This research is funded by the McKnight Brain Research Foundation through the American Brain Foundation, in collaboration with the American Academy of Neurology.