Brice McConnell, MD, PhD
Neurology
Locations
Practice Locations
CU Memory Disorders Clinic - Central Park
720-848-2080
UCHealth Neurosciences Center - Anschutz Medical Campus
720-848-2080
Provider Expertise
Specialties
- Neurology ( 2016 )
- Behavioral Neurology
Education & Training
Medical Schools
MD, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine (2012)
Graduate Schools
PhD, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center (2010)
Residency Program
University of Colorado (2016)
Research & Grants
Research Interests for Patients
My research interests focus on better understanding changes to brain function in aging and among patients with cognitive problems, including dementia and Alzheimer's disease. I lead a research program within the University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center with a goal to develop methods that can detect brain changes very early in Alzheimer's disease, prior to the development of cognitive or memory symptoms. I also work with members of our research team to develop and test new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease. Ongoing projects in my lab include: 1) development of digital biomarkers for "wearable" devices that detect abnormal brain aging and early neurodegenerative disease risk, 2) assessment of the neuroprotective properties of sleep in the context of aging and neurodegenerative disease, and 3) integrating age-related changes in brain communication to molecular phenotypes that precede the development of classic neurodegenerative pathology.
information for referring providers
Referral Contact Phone
(720) 848-2080
Research Interest for Referring Providers
As the director of the sleep research program at the University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center, my lab explores the relationship between sleep and memory functions, focusing on the potential neuroprotective role of sleep against Alzheimer's disease. We have observed changes in sleep, especially during aging, that are related to poor memory performance and may accelerate Alzheimer’s disease progression. Our research has revealed unique brain communication signals and changes in brain memory processing across the human lifespan, identifying potential early predictors of Alzheimer's disease. Using electroencephalography (EEG), we monitor these changes through specific electrical patterns in brain activity, including as slow waves and sleep spindles, which are crucial in memory processing during sleep. These data suggest that disturbances in these brain wave patterns correlate with the development of Alzheimer's disease pathology, indicating that regular sleep monitoring could serve as an early biomarker of brain health and Alzheimer's progression. Our long-term goal is to develop technology that enables the deployment of a simple EEG headband for home use as a "brain health tracker" to predict and potentially mitigate the onset of dementia, offering a novel approach to Alzheimer's disease prevention and treatment monitoring.
