Jefferson Kinney

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Founding Chair, Department of Brain Health
Expertise: Behavioral neuroscience, Alzheimer's disease, Schizophrenia, Learning and memory systems

Biography

Jefferson Kinney is the founding chair of the department of brain health in the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV. Kinney investigates neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, and Parkinson's disease, with a focus on cellular and molecular changes in the brain that underlie these disorders. 

His current work includes investigating the role of several risk factors associated with Alzheimer’s disease and subtle changes in cell function, including interactions between diabetes and inflammation in the brain throughout the onset and progression of the disease. As part of this work, Kinney collaborates with the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health in Las Vegas. 

Earlier in his career, Kinney completed an Intramural Research Training Fellowship with the National Institute of Mental Health and the Helen Dorris Fellowship in schizophrenia research at The Scripps Research Institute.

Education

  • B.S., Psychology, Colorado State University
  • M.S., Experimental Psychology, Colorado State University
  • Ph.D., Behavioral Neuroscience, Colorado State University

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Jefferson Kinney In The News

Can a Simple Blood Test Spot Alzheimer's Early?
GoToHealth!
Detect Alzheimer's disease early with a groundbreaking blood test that could change the game for millions of people worldwide! This revolutionary diagnostic tool can identify the disease years before symptoms appear, giving patients and their families a head start on treatment and care. The FDA just cleared the first blood test for identifying patients with amyloid pathology associated with Alzheimer’s disease — and part of the research behind its approval was conducted by leading experts at the UNLV Department of Brain Health, with chair and renowned brain health researcher, Jefferson Kinney, PhD, our guest for today’s Show. In this video, we'll dive into the science behind this innovative test, how it works, and what it means for the future of Alzheimer's research and treatment. If you or a loved one is at risk for Alzheimer's, you won't want to miss this!
UNLV contributes research to first blood test that helps diagnose Alzheimer’s
K.V.V.U. T.V. Fox 5
A new blood test is being called a game changer for helping diagnose Alzheimer’s. The new FDA-approved test, known as Lumipulse, detects the pTau217/Beta Amyloid 42 amyloids plaques in the brain, a hallmark of the disease.
By Cleaving GABA(A) Receptors, BACE1 Lifts Lid on Hyperactivity
Alzforum
BACE1, aka β-secretase, is infamous for its fateful snip of amyloid precursor protein that leads to the production of Aβ peptides. Yet this might not be the only way BACE1 eggs on Alzheimer’s pathogenesis. According to a study published February 26 in Neuron, the enzyme also cleaves protein subunits off GABAAR, a receptor that transmits inhibitory currents responsible for reining in neuronal activity.
Could we soon have a blood test for Alzheimer's disease?
KJZZ
On Sunday, the Alzheimer’s Association kicks off its international conference and there’s already buzz about a blood test that is between 85% and 90% accurate in identifying Alzheimer’s disease. Having an easy blood test could be game changing. Right now, the only way to confirm an Alzheimer’s diagnosis is with a costly PET scan or an invasive spinal puncture.
All Jefferson Kinney In The News

Articles Featuring Jefferson Kinney

On the Forefront of Alzheimer's Disease Research
From left to right: Dean Marc J. Kahn, Dr. Jefferson Kinney, Dr. Kate Zhong, Dr. Jeffrey Cummings, and Dr. Mark Guadagnoli at the “Brain Health Frontiers: Tackling Alzheimer's Together” panel discussion.
Campus News | February 18, 2025

The 'Brain Health Frontiers: Tackling Alzheimer's Together' panel discussion highlighted the revolutionary research the Department of Brain Health is conducting to fight Alzheimer’s disease.

UNLV Newsmakers 2024: May and June
Josh Hawkins, UNLV
Campus News | July 3, 2024

News highlights featuring UNLV students and staff who made (refreshing) waves in the headlines.

All Articles Featuring Jefferson Kinney