Associate Professor, Epidemiology University of Pittsburgh Phone: (412) 383-1294 Email: rosanoc@edc.pitt.edu

MD, Univ. of Palermo Medical School, Palermo, Italy
MPH, Univ. of Pittsburgh

Research Interests

The goal of my research is to investigate the interactions and synergisms between brain structure and function in relationship with aging processes and to identify the modifiable factors underlying these relationships. I apply cutting-edge neuroimaging technology to precisely identify early subclinical markers of brain abnormalities in large population studies with comprehensive information on health-related factors. My research has high impact because precise biomarkers of brain changes can serve to: 1) identify the course of the disease before the onset of clinical symptoms; 2) shed light into underlying mechanisms; 3) monitor the effects of intervention in RCT. Accordingly, my work has a three-fold approach: a) quantify markers of brain abnormalities related to slowing in cognitive and physical domains; b) characterize the mechanisms underlying these relationships; c) identify the modifiable risk factors and causes of such brain changes. I am testing these mechanisms in a disease model (NIDDK RO1 DK089028-01) and I am concurrently exploring the impact of intervention on brain health and function [HHSN311201000281P, P30-AG024827-06]. I am mentoring one PhD Epidemiologist and one physician scientist, in addition to 3 PhD students in Epidemiology, and one PhD student in Biostatistics. I have mentored the research internship of medical students in the M-STAR program. I have been the advisor of one physician scientist for his MS thesis and of two PhD students (BME and Epidemiology, both graduated). I have served as consultant of NRSA and K-applications. I am the Director of the Area of Concentration in Neuroepidemiology in the Department of Epidemiology, the course director of the epidemiology Seminar series EPI 2500 and the course director of Principles of Neuroepidemiology, EPI2012.

Recent Publications

• Rosano C, Venkatraman VK, Guralnik J, Newman AB,. Glynn NW, Launer L, Taylor CA, Williamson J, Studenski S, Pahor M, Aizenstein HJ. Psychomotor Speed and Functional Brain MRI 2 Years After Completing a Physical Activity Treatment. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2010 Jun;65(6):639-47.
• Rosano C, Sigurdsson S, Siggeirsdottir K, Phillips C, Garcia M, Jonsson P, Eiriksdottir G, Newman A, Harris T, van Buchem M, Gudnason V, Launer L. Magnetization transfer imaging, white matter hyperintensities, brain atrophy and slower gait in older men and women. Neurobiol Aging. 2010 Jul;31(7):1197-204.
• Rosano C, Longstreth WT, Boudreau R, Taylor CA, Du Y, Kuller LH, Newman AB.  High blood pressure accelerates gait slowing in well-functioning older adults over 18-year follow up.  J Am Geriatr Soc. 2011 Mar: 59(3); 390-97.
• Rosano C, Studenski SA, Aizenstein HJ, Boudreau R, Newman AB. Slower gait, slower information processing and smaller prefrontal area in older adults. Age and Ageing. 2012 Jan;41(1):58-64.
• Rosano C, Bennett DA, Newman AB, Venkatraman V, Yaffe K, Harris T, Kritchevsky S, Aizenstein H. Patterns of Focal Gray Matter Atrophy are Associated with Bradykinesia and Gait Disturbances in Older Adults. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. In Press.