ALBA Language Neurobiology Lab

The ALBA Language Neurobiology laboratory in the UCSF Memory and Aging Center is directed by Dr. Maria Luisa Gorno Tempini. We study how language is organized into brain networks across the lifespan. Our group researches how language skills and brain regions are impacted by neurological conditions and how they reorganize in response. Our multidisciplinary team correlates behavioral research with multimodal neuroimaging techniques to understand the neural underpinning of higher cognitive functions such as speech, language and memory. In particular, our lab researches two syndromes: Primary Progressive Aphasia and Dyslexia. Primary Progressive Aphasia is a neurodegenerative syndrome in which communication abilities become progressively impaired. We study PPA as a model disease to understand the neurobiology of language. We aim to identify sensitive linguistic, cognitive, motor or neuroimaging biomarkers of this syndrome. We use multimodal imaging to predict longitudinal disease progression in the brain and track the progression of symptoms. Dr. Gorno Tempini is also co-director of the UCSF Dyslexia Center. The center aims to eliminate the debilitating effects of developmental dyslexia while supporting the relative strengths of each individual. We develop best practice protocols to assess and diagnose children with dyslexia through a multimodal cognitive and neuroimaging program. We work closely with schools and educators to develop early interventions and educational strategies to help children with dyslexia thrive. Our team consists of clinicians, scientists, and engineers with expertise in behavioral neurology, cognitive neuroscience, speech-language pathology, neurodevelopment and advanced neuroimaging techniques. As a team, we are all devoted to studying language in the context of neurological disease. For a more detailed list of our current research projects, visit our research page. Funded by Grants, Donations, and Investments from