PhD Completions Dr Sophie Xi Chen The relationship between dietary patterns and neurocognitive health among older adults Diet may be a promising strategy to postpone, slow or prevent cognitive decline and reduce the risk of dementia. My thesis investigated the important question as to whether, and how effective, different types of dietary patterns and related food groups are in protecting against neurocognitive decline in older adults. I am very thankful to have been able to undertake my PhD at CHeBA - where I received incredible academic guidance, constant support, and great encouragement to strive for my best as both researcher and clinician. Sophie was awarded the UNSW Dean’s Award for Outstanding PhD Theses; which is given only to the top 10% of PhD theses. Dr Sophie Xi Chen was supervised by Professor Henry Brodaty
Dr Heidi Foo Genetic and environmental influences on the brain functional networks in older adults More often than not, genetics affects the brain’s structure and ability to function. However, not everything can be explained by genetics. Environmental factors such as lifestyle, smoker status, exercise regularity and alcohol consumption also affect brain structure and function, as well as alter internal cognitive processes. By examining samples of cognitively healthy older people and determining how different factors affect brain health before looking at pathology alone, we can then establish what is normal ageing. I hope that my research can translate to clinical application to enhance the quality of treatment received by people with dementia. I am grateful to have undertaken my PhD with CHeBA, where my supervisory team has shown me significant support, guidance, and encouragement. Their insights have sharpened my thinking, brought my work to a higher level, and allowed me to grow both academically and personally. Dr Heidi Foo was supervised by Professor Perminder Sachdev and Associate Professor Wei Wen
Dr Matt Paradise Neuroimaging of cerebrovascular disease The importance of vascular disease in dementia and brain health is being increasingly recognised, both as a disease in its own right and as a factor that worsens the risk and expression of Alzheimer’s disease. As Cerebrovascular disease research is still relatively in its infancy, increased understanding of the disorders will allow practitioners to make better diagnoses, more accurately differentiate dementia subtypes from one another and better discuss prognosis. My thesis examined how we can better quantity vascular damage to the brain, using MRI imaging. I assessed the value of several novels markers of damage to the small vessels in the brain and then considered how they could be combined into an index. It is hoped that this research will lead to more accurate dementia diagnoses, ultimately helping both the clinician, the patient and their family. I am very grateful to have been able to undertake my PhD in CHeBA and DCRC – I have received great support, guidance and encouragement from my supervisors, principally Professor Sachdev as well as the whole CHeBA team. Dr Matthew Paradise was supervised by Professor Perminder Sachdev and Associate Professor Wei Wen
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