Overview

I am a translational and clinical researcher whose research focuses on neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia and late-life onset neuropsychiatric symptoms as markers of neurodegenerative disease. My research utilizes a variety of approaches, including genomics, psychology and epidemiology, to investigate the disease mechanisms and clinical consequences of these symptoms.

One of my main areas of interest is chracterising psychosis in dementia and as an early clinical marker of neurodegenerative disease. To achieve this, I study human tissue and population-based samples to examine the underlying mechanisms of these symptoms.

I have published numerous research articles in peer-reviewed journals and presented research at national and international conferences. In addition to my research, I am actively involved in mentoring students and am committed to fostering the next generation of dementia researchers.

I received my PhD from King's College London and completed a postdoctoral research there and at University of Exeter.

Research group links

• Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Science
• Institute of Health Research
• Dementia research

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Research

Research interests

• Psychosis and other neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia, including biological mechanisms and treatments.
• Neuropsychiatric symptoms as early indicators of neurodgenerative disease (known as Mild Behavioural Impairment)

Research projects

PROTECT study (https://www.protectstudy.org.uk/) in UK and Canada (online studies into cognitive ageing).

A multi-omic approach to elucidating disease mechanisms of psychosis in Alzheimer’s disease. 

Elucidating the role of DNA methylation in the pathophysiology of lewy body diseases.

Research grants

• 2019 National Institutes of Health
  A multi-omic approach to elucidating disease mechanisms of psychosis in Alzheimer’s disease
• 2019 ARUK South West Network
  An examination of the neuropsychological mechanisms underpinning delusional thoughts in older adults at risk of dementia
• 2019 ISSF Wellcome Trust Seed Corn Fund
  A preclinical drug screening protocol for the detection of off-target activity of psychotropic drugs for the treatment of neuropsychiatric symptoms in Alzheimer’s disease
• 2019 MRC
  Elucidating the role of DNA methylation in the pathophysiology of lewy body diseases
• 2018 MRC Proximity to Discovery
  Identifying genetic and clinical markers of cognitive decline in healthy adults
• 2018 MRC Proximity to Discovery
  Mechanisms of therapeutic benefit and harm underpinning compounds used for treatment of neuropsychiatric symptoms in Alzheimer’s disease
• 2018 ARUK South West Network
  Feasibility study of a proxy phenotype of psychotic symptoms in Alzheimer’s disease

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External Engagement and Impact

Awards

2019: Alzheimer’s Association ISTAART Neuropsychiatric Syndromes New Investigator Award.

Committee/panel activities

Executive Committee Member: Alzheimer's Association International Society to Advance Alzheimer's Research and Treatment (ISTAART) Neuropsychiatric Syndrome Professional Interest Area

Other

Videos

• Our drug safety in Alzheimer's disease project: https://youtu.be/wJiso3vJgbw
• An interview discussing depression in dementia as part of the ESRC's Let's Talk Mental Health Series https://youtu.be/wNF2l5h15wU
• Webinar for Bristol-based dementia charity BRACE on reducing dementia risk: https://youtu.be/2eyOi1FqoLw
• 'Midday lecture' for NIHR Dementia Research on Mild Behavioral Impairment; https://youtu.be/69vfCrUoGM8

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Teaching

Cognitive neuroscience and neuropsychology with a particular focus on Alzheimer's disease and neuropsychiatric symptoms

Modules

2023/24

Information not currently available

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Supervision / Group

Postgraduate researchers

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