About Maureen
Maureen Walsh is a Ph.D. student studying ways to extend healthspan, the period an individual is free from age-related chronic diseases. While many older adults are living longer, they are burdened by the development of age-related chronic diseases. Medicine currently treats the symptoms of diseases individually. However, these diseases have common underlying and interconnected cellular drivers that are present during aging. One component of her research examines how the cellular drivers of brain and musculoskeletal aging in the Hartley guinea pig model mirrors human aging.
By first uncovering the details of brain and muscle aging, we can begin to test potential treatments to limit the drivers of aging. Because the drivers are connected, slowing one or two drivers will in turn slow others. Specifically, she studies a plant-based compound known to positively affect multiple cellular aging processes in the brains and muscles of guinea pigs. Thus far she has observed positive effects in its musculoskeletal health and mobility, two critical metrics of healthy aging. Outside of the research lab Maureen love running long distances, enjoying an excellent cup of coffee, and being in the company of incredible friends.