Our laboratory is interested in understanding how gonadal hormones, particularly estrogens, progestins and androgens, regulate brain function and influence the trajectory of brain aging or the development of age-associated neurodegenerative diseases. More specifically, we investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which these hormones regulate the survival of brain cells (neurons and glia). Using cellular, molecular, biochemical and morphometric (microscopy) tools, the goal is to advance our understanding of how hormones function in the adult and aging brain so that we may be in a better position to identify safer and more effective therapeutic strategies for the prevention and treatment of age-related disorders like Alzheimer's disease, stroke and certain brain cancers.