For Theodore DeConne, research has a clear goal: helping people age with better health. An early-career investigator at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, he studies why some people age well while others develop cognitive decline, dementia, or cardiovascular disease. His background in exercise science sparked an interest in treatments beyond lifestyle changes that could extend healthy years.
"I want to help people live a long time, but not just live longer. I want to help people stay healthier for longer," he said. His research explores how vascular and immune changes drive age-related disease, with the goal of improving quality of life for older adults.
Identifying Risk Before Symptoms Appear
DeConne studies arterial stiffness, which increases as blood vessels age, and how it may contribute to cognitive decline and dementia before symptoms appear.
Using data from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA), he and collaborators have identified arterial aging patterns that may indicate a higher risk of dementia later in life.
"If we can identify people who are most at risk before cognitive decline develops, we may eventually be able to target therapies earlier and improve outcomes," DeConne explained.
How CTSI Support Helps Move Research Forward
CTSI resources have helped DeConne turn promising ideas into stronger, more collaborative projects. He points to grant editing, biostatistical guidance from Joe Rigdon, PhD, MS, REDCap services, and pilot funding as especially valuable.
That support has also helped him gather early data for larger studies, including one examining whether a soy-derived compound may affect immune inflammation tied to vascular and downstream cognitive health. “Funding through the CTSI has been extremely helpful,” he said.
More recently, he joined the CTSI-supported Translational Research Academy (TRA), where he is forming connections with researchers across disciplines.
Turning Discovery Into Better Patient Care
Though not a clinician, DeConne keeps patient impact at the center of his work by identifying biological mechanisms that could become treatment targets.
He hopes this work will help clinicians identify risk earlier, target interventions, and reduce the burden of dementia on patients and families. "We've identified several potential therapeutic targets and are now working to test those mechanisms and evaluate possible treatments," DeConne said.
Looking Ahead: Partnering with CTSI
DeConne encourages investigators to connect with CTSI resources early. “The earlier you engage with CTSI, the more time there is to understand your project’s needs and connect you with the right support,” he said. He sees CTSI as an important partner for strengthening grant applications, building collaborations, and generating preliminary data.
As the population ages, DeConne hopes his collaborative research will advance earlier detection, new therapies, and a better quality of life for older adults.
Interested in advancing your research? CTSI offers grant development, biostatistics, REDCap, funding, and career development support. Visit the CTSI Services page to learn more and request support.