From early blood-based changes to population health disparities
The Hayes Laboratory is a translational neuroepidemiology and secondary-data-use research group housed within the University of Kentucky’s Sanders-Brown Center on Aging and the Department of Neuroscience.
We leverage deeply phenotyped longitudinal cohort studies, rich multi-omic data resources, and rigorous epidemiological and statistical methods to address questions that span from early biological changes in the blood to population health disparities.
The lab is led by Dr. Cellas Ari’ka Hayes, an Assistant Professor with expertise in neuroepidemiology, vascular contributions to cognitive impairment, ADRD biomarkers, and population-level heterogeneity in brain aging. The Hayes Lab is currently funded by multiple NIH and foundation-sponsored research projects, with an active pipeline of preliminary work supporting future grant submissions.
What drives the work
Mission
The Hayes laboratory uses advanced epidemiological and biostatistical research tools with high-dimensional biological data to elucidate the concomitance of vascular and Alzheimer’s disease pathologies on aging outcomes. Our lab’s overarching goal is to define the mechanisms linking vascular and neurodegenerative processes across the life course and to identify modifiable targets that reduce risk, delay progression, and improve cognitive and functional outcomes in aging populations.
Vision
Our vision is a future in which Alzheimer's disease and related dementias can be detected early, prevented effectively, and managed through precision approaches that account for the biological, vascular, and social factors influencing brain health. We seek to advance healthy brain aging for all by identifying the mechanisms that drive cognitive decline, resilience, and disease heterogeneity.
Values
We are committed to scientific excellence, innovation, collaboration, and integrity. Our laboratory values rigorous and reproducible research, interdisciplinary teamwork, mentorship, and community engagement. We strive to foster an inclusive environment that supports the development of future scientists while conducting research that advances brain health equity and improves the lives of individuals affected by aging, Alzheimer's disease, and related dementias.
Research focus areas
FOCUS 01
Longitudinal blood-based biomarkers
How plasma markers of amyloid, tau, neurodegeneration, and neuroinflammation change over time, and how those trajectories relate to cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative outcomes.
FOCUS 02
Multi-omics discovery of ADRD mechanisms
Proteomic and genomic methods — including high-throughput platforms and Mendelian randomization — to identify novel biomarkers and mechanistic pathways behind ADRD heterogeneity.
FOCUS 03
Population differences in brain aging
Biological and social determinants of ADRD across diverse populations, with explicit attention to racial and ethnic heterogeneity, socioeconomic determinants, and vascular risk factors.
Our lab is supported by
