Lab focus: Diagnosis and management of dementia

I am a neurologist with a particular focus on the assessment and management of stroke and dementia. These conditions are common causes of disability and death, particularly in ageing populations.

My laboratory, jointly headed by Associate Professor Rosie Watson, is working on improving the accuracy of diagnosis of patients with cognitive problems and dementia using biomarkers, as well as understanding the overlap of different causes of dementia, and investigating new ways to treat dementia.

Our lab is uniquely multidisciplinary and we believe this is crucial to tackle the complex problem of dementia.

Research interest

Our lab’s vision is to develop an interdisciplinary approach to dementia research and care.

Dementia is a complex condition that crosses a number of clinical and scientific disciplines. We understand that a strong, multifaceted approach is required to make a significant impact in dementia research. This includes having a long-term coordinated approach to research.

The focus of our lab is to:

• Improve dementia diagnosis using novel and established biomarkers
• Investigate midlife risk factors that may better inform prevention strategies
• Establish and support dementia cohorts
• Facilitate investigator-led clinical trials
• Support and develop access to dementia research for regional and rural Australians
• Investigate and address caregiver needs
• Mentor the next generation of dementia clinical researchers

Get involved

Are you interested in helping with dementia research? We are seeking volunteers who have been diagnosed with:

• Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB)
• Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD)
• Alzheimer’s disease (AD)
• Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)
• or healthy older people, aged over 70 years

Complete our quick online survey by going to https://redcap.wehi.edu.au/surveys/ then entering code XALFDDR44.

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