Photo of Courtney Millar, PhD at the Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research in Boston, MA

Courtney Millar, PhD

  • Assistant Scientist
  • Instructor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
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Areas of Research

Dr. Millar is a research scientist devoted to improving health and well-being of older adults through dietary interventions. She received her PhD in molecular nutrition at the University of Connecticut, where she developed a deep understanding of the relationship between dietary bioactive components and metabolic disease. Her post-doctoral fellowship focused on training related to conducting both nutritional epidemiological analyses and clinical interventions. Her current research aims to test the ability of anti-inflammatory dietary strategies that promote both physical and emotional well-being in older adults.

Research Areas

Learn more about the areas of research where Dr. Millar focuses.
A researcher at the Marcus Institute for Aging Research in Boston, MA studies MRI images of a human brain.

Brain Health

Through pioneering multidisciplinary research, the Marcus Institute is uncovering new answers to the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, delirium, and other changes to the brain.

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A researcher at the Marcus Institute for Aging Research in Boston, MA holds a vial of blood.

Biomarkers and Genetics

As precision medicine enters the mainstream of clinical care, Marcus Institute researchers are working to advance the understanding of disease biomarkers and genetics.

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A research subject at the Marcus Institute for Aging Research stands on a measuring platform with a computer read-out reflected on the wall behind.

Physical Health and Function

Through the Marcus Institute’s research we are learning how older adults can maintain independence and quality of life.

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Current Projects

View Dr. Millar's current projects. 

Dietary Intervention Targeting Inflammation, Motivation, and Engagement in Physical Activity in Sedentary, Older Adults with Depressive Symptoms

This research aims to pilot test a dietary intervention designed to target inflammation, and ultimately improve motivation to engage in physical activity. The two major goals of this study are:  

1. To determine the feasibility and acceptability of a dietary intervention in older adults with depressive symptoms.

 2. To evaluate if modulation of inflammation improve lack of motivation, thereby increasing the engagement in physical activity.

Funded by a pilot award from The Boston Roybal Center for Active Lifestyle Interventions 

Principal Investigator

Blueberries, Gut Microbiota, and Metabolites in Depressed Older Adults - A Pilot Study

This research aims to gather preliminary data on whether daily intake of a whole-food source of dietary fiber and anthocyanins (via freeze-dried blueberry powder) modulates the gut microbiota, increases depression-relevant gut-derived metabolites, and ameliorates depressive symptoms. 

USDA/NIFA 1029789

Principal Investigator

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Senolytics and Depressive Symptoms in Older Adults at Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease (STAMINA)

This research aims to prevent common age-related impairments in cognition and mobility that lead to the development of Alzheimer’s disease by interrupting one of the fundamental mechanisms of aging, namely the accumulation of senescent cells and their damaging products. We will determine the feasibility of administering Quercetin and Dasatinib to eliminate these cells from the body, and test whether their elimination can improve brain blood flow, cognition, and mobility in older adults at risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

NIH R21AG073886-01

Principal Investigators

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