In this project we showed that transplantation of faecal microbiota from Alzheimer's patients into microbiota-depleted young adult rats induced impairments in behaviours reliant on adult hippocampal neurogenesis, an essential plasticity process for certain memory functions and mood. The severity of impairments correlated with clinical cognitive scores in donor patients. Serum from Alzheimer's patients decreased neurogenesis in human cells in vitro and were associated with cognitive scores and key microbial genera.

Women are twice as likely as men to develop Alzheimer’s disease, particularly in later life. While hormonal differences between biological sexes have been suggested as a potential explanation for this disparity, the exact reasons remain unclear. Recently, the gut microbiome has emerged as a key area of interest in Alzheimer’s research due to its role in disease progression and observed differences between males and females.

It is well established that there is elevated inflammation in Alzheimer’s disease, while hippocampal neurogenesis (a type of brain plasticity) is decreased in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. Research has shown that gut microbiota may be a master regulator of both inflammation and neurogenesis, and emerging research suggests a key role of the microbiota-gut-brain axis in Alzheimer’s development. Thus, targeting the microbiota may be a new avenue to develop knowledge for Alzheimer’s treatment.

The aim of this study is to create an open-source health-economic model for Alzheimer's disease and dementia (AD) in Ireland that accurately reflects the attitudes and preferences of people with AD (PwAD) and their family caregivers.

The aim of the project is to pilot and evaluate a new model of delivery for Cognitive Rehabilitation for dementia, with a view to increasing the availability of evidence-based early interventions in memory services in Ireland.

Objectives: 

For the past 20 years, no new licensed drugs have been available for Alzheimer’s disease. Soon, disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) will be available in Ireland to slow its progression. However, these expensive drugs require significant changes in our healthcare system. An implementation plan, or care pathway, is needed to guide clinicians, patients, and policymakers. This plan should involve various stakeholders to ensure inclusive and effective integration of these treatments.

The HOMEDEM(Co-designing a home with dementia) Doctoral Training Network carries out research at several levels: a) the micro level, how dementia affects relationships between PwD and their care constellations; b) the meso level, understanding the changing needs of the home living environment; and c) at the macro level, understanding how care constellations navigate the complex care ecosystem of community-based support and services. HOMEDEM is a network of 8 PhD researchers across europe researching different aspects of dementia care in Europe.

The rapidly growing number of people with dementia has created an urgent need for developing socially sustainable care. Sustainability entails the availability of sufficient health and social care services, safety, opportunities for social participation and agency regarding one’s personal life and care services (Littig & Giessler 2005). These principles must apply to persons living with dementia and, at the same time, to the vast number of their informal carers, who play a significant role in providing care.

Background: Cognitive communication difficulties are a characteristic feature of dementia. These deficits have negative effects on all aspects of daily life. Yet, there are few options for standardized assessment of cognitive communication skills in people with dementia.

Aims: To review published cognitive-communication assessments to determine what psychometrically sound assessments exist that are applicable to all people with dementia.

Brief description: Conversation abilities of people with dementia are impacted by cognitive communication deficits. Communication interventions can improve quality of life by increasing positive interactions and well-being. This study evaluates the feasibility of a conversation coaching intervention (CCI) for people with dementia and their communication partners.