Fang Yu, Ph.D., R.N.

While working in the cardiac unit at the hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Fang Yu observed a frequent problem of impaired daily function abilities among her older patients. Each hospitalization seemed to cause further functional decline in those with cognitive impairment. This observation led to Yu’s dissertation and post-doctoral work, where she examined methods to promote functional independence in older adults with dementia. Her findings were intriguing: through rehabilitation services, patients with dementia could improve daily function to the same degree as could those with intact cognition.

Yu, now an assistant professor in the School of Nursing, is beginning her first year as a CAPS scholar. “Physical activity, specifically aerobic exercise, is a very important component in cognitive improvement,” explains Yu. Recent research shows that aerobic exercise can improve executive cognitive function in older adults without dementia and in animals can delay amyloid accumulation, widely accepted as the cause of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Yu’s research focuses on developing effective aerobic exercise interventions to improve executive cognitive function, and consequently, daily functioning and overall quality of life for older adults with AD. Yu has two co-investigators: J. Riley McCarten, M.D., medical director of the Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center (GRECC) at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center; and Susan McPherson, Ph.D., neuropsychologist, Behavioral Health Service, VA Medical Center, and associate professor of neurology, Medical School. They will enroll patients in a three-month aerobic stationary biking protocol to test the impact of this type of physical activity on executive cognitive function. They will recruit participants exclusively through the Memory Clinic at the University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview.

As a CAPS scholar, Yu is allocated 75 percent protected time for research. She will work with a multidisciplinary mentoring team including: Maurice Dysken, M.D., director, GRECC, Minneapolis VA Medical Center and professor of psychiatry, Medical School; Arthur S. Leon, M.D., M.S., professor, School of Kinesiology, College of Education and Human Development, and director, Laboratory of Physiological Hygiene and Exercise Science; Donna Bliss, Ph.D., R.N., professor, School of Nursing; and Wei Pan, Ph.D., associate professor, biostatistics, School of Public Health. Yu feels that the K12 award is fundamental step for young investigators, and that the program prepares scholars to thrive in today’s multidisciplinary research environment. “In thinking of a career trajectory, CAPS is a natural step. It offers investigators the time and training necessary to launch a successful research program,” says Yu.