Early, non-invasive, inexpensive biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) are much needed. Those with Down syndrome (DS) are the largest patient group at increased risk of AD. Evidence suggests that imaging the eye could be a non-invasive biomarker to screen for AD. However, there is limited information regarding ocular changes in DS. Our group was the first to image the lens in DS, revealing the presence of small ‘dot’ opacities in the lens in 54% of individuals with DS.

To develop accessible best practice guidelines for post-diagnostic dementia supports for people with an intellectual disability in Ireland. The project aims to:

(1) examine the current landscape of post-diagnostic care at a national level;

(2) consider barriers to access;

(3) incorporate existing best practices; and

(4) give due consideration of the experiences and recommendations of people with an intellectual disability living with dementia and of their families/carers.

Project Aim(s): This study aims to contribute to improving quality of life for people with end stage dementia living in residential care settings by investigating the experiences of elderly spouses whose relatives died with end-stage dementia in nursing homes in both Northern Ireland (NI) and the Republic of Ireland (RoI). A second aim is to develop guidelines for nursing home staff for the delivery of quality care in residents with end stage dementia in residential institutions.

Project Aim(s): To explore the attitudes of Irish and Swedish General Practitioners (GPs) to the diagnosis and disclosure of dementia to patients; to investigate GP under-graduate/post-graduate training in dementia; to examine the post-diagnostic support services available to GPs in both countries and to investigate the extent to which dementia is perceived as stigmatising.

Project Aim(s): To develop and promote resilience in family carers of people with dementia.

Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases (AD and PD) are the two most common neurodegenerative conditions. They cause major costs for society and suffering and death for millions of patients around the globe. In Europe, more than 8 million individuals have AD or PD. Current treatments are symptomatic but do not stop the underlying disease process. Using biomarkers, we can detect biochemical changes that show when neurons start to die. There are also biochemical tests for brain changes that are specific to AD and PD.

Project Aim(s): 

The project has various complementary aims: (a) research on normal ageing and Alzheimer's disease using MRI-based methods, (b) develop training programmes in neuroimaging in dementia, (c) develop greater understanding of the use of neuroimaging by clinicians for diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, (d) technology transfer between centres.

To determine the evidence for diet modification - Specifically, thickening fluids to prevent aspiration in people with dementia and swallowing difficulties.

Project Aim(s): To test a software engine designed to optimize medication in multimorbid older patients aimed at preventing unplanned hospitral readmissions.

Project Aim(s): To test a software engine for the prevention of adverse drug reactions in multimorbid older patients hospitalized with acute illness.