Dementia
Dementia is the progressive loss of normal cognitive function, which can occur sporadically due to a genetic predisposition or in relation to chronic cerebrovascular disease.
Overview
Our research aim is to understand in detail the biology & expression of neurodegenerative disease decades before symptoms of dementia appear. This includes very comprehensive assessment through neuroimaging, blood & CSF tests of this biology & detailed cognitive testing as well as early neuropsychiatric features such as sleep disturbance.
We also assess fixed & modifiable risks to determine what factors mediate dais onset & progression.
Edinburgh is a hub/centre in the UK Dementia Research Institute (UK-DRI) with a programme found on vascular dementia and is leading a large UK-wide study about vascular dementia (R4VaD). Projects led from Edinburgh (EPAD & PREVENT Dementia, LBC1936, Mild Stroke Study 3, R4VaD) also assess people longitudinally allowing us to model not only cross-sectional associations but also longitudinal trajectories. We now work on projects that try to improve detection of early markers of dementia from the appearance of the back of the eye.
Ultimately we aim to create disease & clinical models that can be applied at both a personal & population level to impact on the course of neurodegenerative disease & therein prevent dementia.
Lead dementia researcher
If you would like to discuss undertaking dementia research & collaborating with us, please contact our business manager, who will arrange a meeting with our dementia research lead.
Dr Duncan Martin
Business Manager
- Edinburgh Imaging
Contact details
- Work: +44 (0)131 465 9566
- secondary office: +44 (0)131 537 2664
- Email: duncan.martin@ed.ac.uk
Research staff with a dementia focus
Current projects
Completed projects
Funding organisations & groups
Organisations are listed alphabetically:
Relevant Edinburgh Imaging publications