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.

Project Aim(s): The objective is the assessment of the impact of alterations of white matter tract integrity on effective connectivity in the neural network underpinning working memory.  Using brain imaging data it will examine the associations between brain structure and function in young and older healthy participants and how normal ageing alters the relationship between structure and function.

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

Project Aim(s): To validate a cognitive communication assessment for people with dementia.

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.

To assess whether targeting microglia, and consequently neuroinflammation, can restore impaired cognitive function in age and a model of Alzheimer’s disease.

Aim(s):

(i) To characterise patterns of hearing problems and of hearing aid use in NICOLA and to compare these patterns in a qualitative fashion with those found in TILDA. 

(ii) To evaluate the cross-sectional relationship between hearing problems and cognitive functioning, using regression modelling. 

(iii) To evaluate loneliness, social isolation, and social engagement as moderators of the putative relationship between hearing problems and cognitive functioning, using a structural equation modelling approach. 

Aims are to:

1.     Characterise and compare alcohol consumption patterns in older adults in Ireland

2.     Determine associations between alcohol patterns and cognitive function 

Aim: to elucidate the direct and indirect pathways between social determinants and cognitive decline among older Irish adults, to further understand and identify potential points of intervention in the progression of cognitive decline. 

Primary objectives: