Kaley Lectureship Examines Vascular Pathways in Alzheimer’s Disease
Keynote Costantino Iadecola, M.D., Discusses Emerging Research on Neurovascular Dysfunction and Dementia
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The 12th Annual Drs. Gabor and Harriette Kaley Endowed Lectureship brought more than 100 faculty, students, and researchers together in-person and on Zoom for an afternoon focused on one of medicine’s most pressing challenges of understanding the complex relationship between brain health and Alzheimer’s disease. The event featured keynote speaker Costantino Iadecola, M.D., third from right, Anne Parrish Titzell Professor of Neurology, and director and chair of the Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute at Weill Cornell Medicine, whose lecture explored how vascular dysfunction contributes to cognitive decline and dementia.
In his presentation, “Neurovascular Correlates of Brain Health: Mechanisms and Translational Implications for Cognitive Impairment,” Dr. Iadecola examined the growing evidence that Alzheimer’s disease is not solely driven by amyloid or tau accumulation, but also by disruptions in the brain’s vascular system. He explained how factors such as amyloid beta, hypertension, and the APOE4 genotype can impair communication between blood vessels and the brain through inflammatory and immune-related pathways involving perivascular macrophages.
Dr. Iadecola also discussed the promise and complexity of emerging amyloid-beta immunotherapies. While these treatments may help remove amyloid plaques from the brain, he noted that they can also shift amyloid into blood vessels, potentially contributing to complications such as amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA) syndrome. His lecture emphasized the importance of developing more comprehensive strategies for Alzheimer’s prevention and treatment, approaches that address both neural and vascular contributors to disease progression.
The lectureship and award were established by the generosity of Dr. Harriett Kaley and her son David to honor the enduring legacy of Gabor Kaley, Ph.D., who dedicated 43 years to New York Medical College, including 37 years as chair of the Department of Physiology. When he stepped down in 2007, he was recognized as the longest-serving chair of a physiology department in the nation. Dr. Kaley passed away four years later at the age of 85, leaving a profound impact on the institution and the field of physiology. The event also marked the first Kaley Lecture under the newly established Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology, symbolizing a new chapter in the department’s continued commitment to advancing biomedical research and education.
“Dr. Kaley was the chair of the physiology department for almost 40 years, which was an amazing fertile period of time for that department,” said Christopher Leonard, Ph.D., second from left, director of neuroscience and professor of Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology. “There were several program project grants, and the department established an internationally recognized reputation for its work in cardiovascular physiology and microcirculation. His contributions are worth recognizing as often as possible because they help guide the goals we set for our own professional development and careers.”
“Gabe would have been so happy and so proud,” said Hariette Kaley, Ph.D., center. “Gabe wanted this lectureship to be established. He wanted to keep on teaching, and I’m so touched and honored.”
“This event is a beautiful way to remember the physiology department, and particularly Gabe Kayle’s indelible stamp on the traditions, teaching, and research,” said Joseph D. Etlinger, Ph.D., fourth from right, chair and professor of the Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology, who noted that Dr. Kaley had been a mentor to him. “This was a great lecture that stimulated a lot of interests across many disciplines.”
Videos of the Drs. Gabor and Harriette Kaley Endowed Lectureship and other NYMC events are available on the NYMC YouTube Channel.
