Blog: The Brain Dialogues, filtered by tag: CHeBA staff

Normal ageing process can be defined as a subtle decline of mental and physical abilities. A decline in our thinking abilities, memorising and recalling memories or thoughts, as well as decline in maintaining attention are examples of the normal ageing process. Normal ageing might differ between men and women due to intrinsic gender differences such as hormonal and genetic traits. Abdullah Alqarni, a PhD Candidate at CHeBA studies the sex differences in white matter hyperintensities and how they affect normal ageing for both sexes.   How did you get into researching the ageing brain? I… Read More

CHeBA’s CogSCAN study aims to evaluate the efficacy of using computerised testing to determine cognitive health. Research Assistant at CHeBA, Matilda Rossie, hopes that through the study we can develop more easily and accessible cognitive testing to improve the diagnostic experience of dementia patients.   How did you get into researching the ageing brain? Doing a double degree for my undergraduate allowed me to study a range of fields like psychology, anatomy, sociology, and neuroscience. It was great experience but left me unsure about what I wanted to do or which field I wanted to go… Read More

Recent research indicates that alcohol use and alcohol-related harms are increasing among older adults. However, few studies have investigated the relationship between alcohol use and cognition in ageing populations. It is essential that research is conducted to examine the role of alcohol use in cognitive decline and dementia, as these issues represent some of the most significant challenges faced by older Australians. Nicholas Hoy, a Research Assistant at CHeBA, is contributing to a large-scale data harmonisation project led by Dr Louise Mewton, which will provide a clearer picture of the… Read More

Diet is a key modifiable lifestyle factor to achieve healthier cognitive ageing. There is a wealth of evidence indicating the benefits of adopting a Mediterranean diet for improved brain health. Traditional Mediterranean diets have historically contained moderate amounts of fat, much of it from healthful monounsaturated fats (such as extra virgin olive oil and almonds), omega-3 fats (in foods like oily fish/seafood and walnuts), and polyunsaturated fats in other nuts and seeds. Levels of fatty acids found in blood have been reported to be altered in patients with mild cognitive impairment and… Read More

With the world’s ageing population increasingly affected by dementia, CHeBA’s Sydney Memory and Ageing Study offers a rich dataset to explore the nature of dementia and predictors of cognitive decline to mediate the impact of the disease. With over 1,000 participants involved in the study, Research Assistant Virginia Winter can attest to how fascinating and valuable CHeBA’s study participants are. She notes that the generous ongoing donation of their time to research, to support future generations, is inspiring.   How did you get into researching the ageing brain? While completing my… Read More

Research Assistant Lauren King hopes that through CHeBA’s COGNISANCE Project we will achieve global impact on the quality of dementia care and available support services, particularly in those countries where dementia research and support remain quite limited.   How did you get into researching the ageing brain? At university, I worked in a number of voluntary and paid research assistant roles on projects running in the experimental psychology department. I really enjoyed the systematic approach of research design and implementation whilst working on these projects.   Did you experience… Read More

Understanding the universal and local risk factors for cognitive decline is what drives Dr Darren Lipnicki, Study Coordinator of CHeBA’s COSMIC consortium. COSMIC brings together researchers and data from studies on ageing across more than 30 countries, to identify risk and protective factors associated with cognitive decline and dementia and compare these around the world. Dr Lipnicki hopes that through this research CHeBA is able to identify modifiable lifestyle factors to assist individuals maintain their cognitive health as they age.   How did you get into researching the ageing brain… Read More

Dr Amanda Selwood is relatively new to CHeBA; having had the unusual experience of commencing a new job without in-office contact. However, Dr Selwood has found a sense of belonging through engaging with CHeBA’s campaigns, in particular the #InThisTogether social media campaign which featured snapshots of CHeBA’s researchers sending messages of support to our study participants, colleagues and broader CHeBA community.   How did you get into researching the ageing brain? I completed my PhD in Cognitive Science at Macquarie University. I was looking at twin and sibling relationships and how… Read More

Jess Lo is responsible for conducting and coordinating world-leading research through CHeBA’s international Stroke and Cognition Consortium (STROKOG). The consortium is the first international effort to collate and harmonise work on post-stroke dementia, which serves to help us better understand what contributes to cognitive impairment after stroke and to improve the diagnosis and treatment of post-stroke cognitive disorders.   How did you get into researching the ageing brain? Growing up in a rather traditional Chinese household, my parents steered me towards a career in science and maths… Read More

Risky alcohol consumption is often associated with younger people. However, Australian national statistics indicate that risky alcohol use is becoming increasingly prevalent among older adults. In fact, over 10% of older adults engage in high risk alcohol consumption on a daily basis. Dr Mewton hopes that through her research she will uncover the true relationship between risky alcohol use and cognitive decline.   How did you get into researching the ageing brain? My interest in researching the ageing brain only came about quite recently. My PhD and postdoctoral research predominantly… Read More