Sarah Kazemeini (Medicine) won second place for Best Medical Student Poster at the Clark County Medical Society Symposium on February 1. Her work, along with that of Ahmed Nadeem-Tariq, Ryan Shih, John Rafanan, Nabih Ghani, and Thomas A. Vida, PhD, showcased a groundbreaking perspective on Alzheimer's disease, moving beyond the traditional focus on amyloid plaques to a more comprehensive model known as the Mitochondrial-Neurovascular-Metabolic (MNM) hypothesis. This research highlights how mitochondrial dysfunction, blood vessel damage, and metabolic issues in the brain contribute to the progression of Alzheimer's. By emphasizing the brain’s energy production, blood flow, and glucose metabolism, Kazemeini’s work suggests potential new treatment strategies aimed at preserving cognitive function. The study integrates findings from oxidative stress research, blood-brain barrier integrity studies, and metabolic dysfunction analyses to provide a broader understanding of the disease. This innovative approach challenges conventional thinking and opens new doors for targeted therapies that could slow or prevent neurodegeneration. Kazemeini’s research group at the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV underscores the need for a multifactorial approach to Alzheimer’s treatment. It reflects a shift toward addressing systemic processes rather than singular disease markers. Her recognition at the symposium highlights the impact of this emerging paradigm in the fight against one of the most challenging neurodegenerative diseases. The work was published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences in October 2024.
