My laboratory is interested in the molecular mechanisms underlying synaptic dysfunction and neuronal loss in Alzheimer's Disease and other forms of neurodegeneration.  We are focused primarily on understanding cell signalling abnormalities that underpin the early prodromal stages of disease with the aim of identifying new targets for therapeutic intervention.  Part of our strategy is to identify dietary factors that could be harnessed to slow onset or reduce the risk of dementia and we have worked extensively on plant polyphenols most notably flavonoids. 

Specific Project Areas:

• Inhibiting tau, amyloid-β and α-synuclein toxicity: protecting synapses and neuronal network function in Dementias 
• Understanding microglial migration to pathogenic synapses, phagocytosis and the innate immune response
• Assessing the neuroprotective potential and risk reducing capability of dietary polyphenolics in Alzheimer's Disease
• Using human stem cell models and microelectrode arrays as a replacement for rodent models of network dysfunction under the NC3Rs

Member of the University of Bath Healthy Living Longer Network https://www.bath.ac.uk/research-groups/healthy-later-living-network/

Member of European Science Foundation College of Experts: 2022 -

Member of Alzheimer's Research UK Grant Review Board: 2013 - 2019

Member of MJFF Review Board 2013

Member of Bath and Bristol Alzheimer's Research UK Network: 2009 - 

Editorial Board of Neurochemistry International: 2015 - 

Editorial Board of Nutrition and Aging: 2012 -

Editorial Board of Journal of Neurochemistry: 1998 - 2010

Editorial Advisory Board of Journal of Alzheimer's Disease: 2018 - 2019