Dr. Lenore Launer is a distinguished leader in neuroepidemiology whose career has profoundly shaped our understanding of brain aging and dementia risk factors. She currently serves as Chief of the Laboratory of Epidemiology and Population Sciences within the Intramural Research Program at the National Institute on Aging, part of the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Launer joined NIA in February 1999 as Head of the Neuroepidemiology Unit, establishing herself as a pioneering researcher at the intersection of population health and neurological disorders. Her leadership has been instrumental in developing comprehensive research frameworks that examine the complex interplay between biological, environmental, and lifestyle factors in cognitive aging.
Dr. Launer's groundbreaking research has significantly advanced our understanding of the relationship between behavioral symptoms and neuroanatomical changes in aging populations. Her influential 2014 study published in Neurology demonstrated that apathy in older adults without dementia is associated with reduced brain volume, establishing apathy as a potential early indicator of underlying brain disease processes. This work built upon her extensive research program investigating risk factors for comorbidities and the biological pathways leading to late-life dementia across diverse demographic groups. Her systematic epidemiological studies have provided critical evidence for identifying at-risk populations before significant cognitive decline occurs, fundamentally reshaping clinical approaches to early detection.
Beyond her individual research contributions, Dr. Launer has been instrumental in shaping the field of neuroepidemiology through leadership of large-scale collaborative studies that have established foundational datasets for brain aging research. Her work continues to guide clinical approaches to identifying at-risk populations through behavioral markers and has informed preventive strategies for age-related cognitive disorders. As Chief of LEPS, she oversees a comprehensive research portfolio examining genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors influencing healthy brain aging across diverse populations. Dr. Launer's ongoing commitment to understanding the complex pathways to dementia ensures her continued influence on both research directions and public health approaches to cognitive health in aging populations.
