Rongxiang Tang

My research aims to understand how the brain supports higher-order cognitive functions (e.g., attention, cognitive control, memory) across young and older adulthood. The current focus in the lab includes investigating neural mechanisms and modifiable risk factors that contribute to differential cognitive trajectories in middle-aged and older adults (i.e., healthy aging vs. dementia/Alzheimer's disease). Moreover, this line of work seeks to identify brain functional and structural biomarkers for risk prediction of cognitive impairment and dementia in middle-aged and older adults. Finally, a translational line of my research investigates non-pharmacological interventions (e.g., exercise, meditation) that may improve cognition, emotion, and health across the lifespan. My research uses a variety of techniques including cognitive assessments, multimodal neuroimaging (functional, structural, diffusion MRI), computational neuroscience methods, and blood-based biomarkers. The overall goal of my research is to inform and improve health and well-being across the lifespan.

Tang, R., Franz, C. E., Hauger, R. L., Dale, A. M., Dorros, S. M., Eyler, L. T., Fennema-Notestine, C., Hagler, D. J., Jr, Lyons, M. J., Panizzon, M. S., Puckett, O. K., Williams, M. E., Elman, J. A., & Kremen, W. S. (2024). Early cortical microstructural changes in aging are linked to vulnerability to Alzheimer's disease pathology. Biological psychiatry. Cognitive neuroscience and neuroimaging, S2451-9022(24)00158-7. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpsc.2024.05.012 Tang, R., Buchholz, E., Dale, A. M., Rissman, R. A., Fennema-Notestine, C., Gillespie, N. A., Hagler, D. J., Jr, Lyons, M. J., Neale, M. C., Panizzon, M. S., Puckett, O. K., Reynolds, C. A., Franz, C. E., Kremen, W. S., & Elman, J. A. (2024). Associations of plasma neurofilament light chain with cognition