Wyllians Vendramini Borelli
Life Sciences
Whenever he needs to recharge, he pictures himself on a sunny lawn surrounded by playful dogs. An unrepentant dreamer, he values meaningful conversations with people who prioritize the greater good, a mindset that fuels his daily quest in the lab to help more people age with health, memory, and joy.
Dr. Borelli’s research investigates why some individuals retain sharp memories into old age, despite exhibiting physical signs of brain damage. He focuses on understanding the secrets of brain resilience, a key step toward developing more effective treatments for neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease.
Borelli earned his medical degree and doctorate in medicine and health sciences from the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul. Currently a professor at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, he also hosts gatherings for friends and plays his guitar in his free time.
Projects
This research seeks to understand the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon. Lifespan and cognitive aging vary widely. Some older adults maintain sharp memories into advanced age, even in the presence of underlying brain lesions. Our goal is to investigate whether neuroinflammatory and vascular factors protect the brain, increase the risk of disease, or contribute to the prevention of degenerative conditions. Understanding brain resilience is essential for identifying new therapeutic targets, particularly since most drugs for memory loss or Alzheimer’s disease have not stopped disease progression. By pinpointing biological pathways that support healthy brain aging, we hope to promote better outcomes by reducing neuroinflammation and minimizing vascular burdens accumulated over the lifespan.
Amount invested
Institutions
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul