Research

☲ Neuroscience and Ageing Research

Neuroscience and Ageing Research stands as a crucial field of inquiry due to the profound impact of ageing on cognitive function and neurological health. With the global population ageing rapidly, understanding the underlying mechanisms of age-related neurological decline becomes imperative.

Employing a multidisciplinary approach, my research spans across four domains: Biomedical Neuroscience, Computational Neuroscience, Exercise Neuroscience, and Mathematical Neuroscience. 

☲ Description

Biomedical neuroscience explores the mechanisms underlying ageing in the nervous system, delving into cellular and molecular processes that contribute to cognitive decline, neurodegeneration, and age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Through advanced imaging techniques and molecular analyses, researchers seek to unravel the complexities of brain ageing to develop novel therapeutic interventions and preventive strategies.

Computational neuroscience applies mathematical and computational models to understand the ageing brain’s functionality and dysfunctionality. By simulating neural networks and computational algorithms, researchers can elucidate how ageing affects information processing, synaptic plasticity, and neural connectivity. This interdisciplinary approach provides insights into age-related cognitive decline and informs the development of innovative computational tools for diagnosing and treating neurological disorders in older adults.

Exercise neuroscience investigates the impact of physical activity on brain ageing and cognitive health. Through empirical studies and clinical trials, researchers explore how exercise influences neuroplasticity, neurogenesis, and synaptic connectivity, mitigating age-related cognitive decline and enhancing cognitive reserve. By elucidating the molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying the “exercise-brain” connection, this field offers promising strategies for promoting healthy ageing and preventing neurodegenerative diseases.

Mathematical neuroscience employs mathematical models and computational techniques to elucidate the complex dynamics of neuronal systems and their alterations during ageing. By integrating principles from dynamical systems theory, graph theory, and statistical modelling, researchers can quantify and predict age-related changes in brain structure, function, and connectivity. This quantitative approach facilitates the identification of biomarkers for ageing-related pathologies and aids in the development of personalised interventions to maintain cognitive function and neural resilience throughout the lifespan.

☲ Ongoing Research

☲ Doctoral Research

   I am investigating the effects of physical exercise on the Glymphatic System and Cognitive Function in patients with Alzheimer’s disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment.

The Glymphatic System is a cerebral waste clearance mechanism responsible for eliminating toxins and metabolic by-products. It relies on the flow of cerebrospinal fluid through the brain tissue, facilitated by astrocytes.

By examining the relationship between physical activity and these neurological processes, the aim is to gain new insights into non-pharmacological interventions that could help slow the progression of cognitive decline in these at-risk groups.