Profile: Jesus Melgarejo Arias, MD, PhD

Biography

Dr. Melgarejo is an Assistant Professor of Neuroscience at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine and an RCMAR Scholar. He is a physician-scientist devoted to multidisciplinary clinical and epidemiological research. He is also interested in studying vascular dysregulation in aging and disease. He obtained his MD in Venezuela and his PhD in Belgium. By examining vascular dynamics in humans, he aims to improve the identification of individuals at increased risk of the most common disorders in aging.

Dr. Melgarejo aims to improve the risk stratification of age-related diseases by understanding circadian rhythms and variability in blood pressure. He has a profound understanding of how to conduct innovative and practicable research to test hypotheses necessary to change public health actions and clinical practice, especially in underserved areas. The latter is based on his work and interaction with the Maracaibo Aging Study in Venezuela since 2009. In recognition of his contributions, he received the American Heart Association’s Award for Support of Underrepresented Minorities in 2023.

Research Focus

Dr. Melgarejo's research focuses on understanding the relationship between blood pressure dysregulation and Alzheimer's disease-related disorders. His research includes utilizing brain MRI markers for clues on cerebral small vessel disease, brain atrophy, or decreased cognitive functioning. His long-term research interest and strategic focus are on elucidating the contribution of 24-h blood pressure to the development and progression of neurological age-related diseases such as glaucoma, cerebral small vessel diseases, cognitive decline, Alzheimer's Disease, and cardiovascular complications.