Research

The project aims to identify chemical pollutants as new risk factors for dementia, as well as to discover pollutant-associated biomarkers.

The potential impacts of this project could lead to a reduction or delay in the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease, thereby alleviating the associated economic and social challenges. Additionally, our research could facilitate earlier diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, which would enable the use of new disease-modifying treatments to postpone the onset of more severe stages of the condition.

Key features of our research include:

A focus on studying multiple categories of pollutants simultaneously, including pesticides of interest, persistent organic pollutants (POPs), pollutants from electronic waste, and pharmaceuticals. By examining typical exposures throughout an individual’s life, referred to as the exposome, this approach goes beyond the single exposures typically addressed in existing epidemiological studies.
Utilising a battery of experimental assays, including models of fibrillation, toxicity, and blood-brain barrier permeability, to identify pollutants of concern for neurodegeneration.
Analysing data from four population-based cohorts with information on brain ageing and dementia from mid-life through to older age.
Application of cutting-edge mass spectrometry technology to identify pollutant signatures in biological matrices (hair and blood).
Combining epidemiological and experimental studies with innovative tools, including induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), organoids and single-cell transcriptomics, to understand the modes of action of the chemicals identified in biological signatures.
Providing FAIR data in an easy-to-use format supported by evidence-based guidelines for informed policymaking.