Laura Hanley, a Clinical Psychologist specialising in Neuropsychology, is about to embark on a research project funded by a £25,000 grant from the Southmead Hospital Charity Springboard Research Fund.
Her work aims to uncover sex-based differences in dementia; a field that has been largely overlooked. This blog delves into the details of Laura's project, her motivations, and the potential impact of her research.
Laura's project is divided into three main aspects. Firstly a database analysis where, using an existing database from the Cognitive Disorders Clinic, Laura will examine medical information from participants who have already consented to research. She aims to identify differences in how men and women present with dementia, using comprehensive medical tests and cognitive assessments.
Secondly, Laura will also conduct an extensive review of existing literature on sex-based differences in dementia. This will help identify gaps in current knowledge and guide future research questions.
In the final part of the study, Laura will explore and summarise what is known about menopause and neuroinflammation (inflammation in the brain and nervous system). During menopause, oestrogen levels fall, potentially reducing the brain's protection from neuroinflammation. Laura will pinpoint areas where knowledge is lacking and propose future research directions to investigate whether this change contributes to the higher incidence of dementia in women.
Objectives and short-term goals
In the short term, Laura hopes to pinpoint any differences in how men and women present cognitive difficulties in clinical settings. This, combined with her literature review, will shed light on potential underlying factors contributing to these differences. The ultimate goal is to pave the way for further research and funding to explore why women might be more susceptible to developing Alzheimer's disease, particularly around menopause.
Patient and participant group
Part of the funding will also support the development of a Patient Participant (PPI) group. This group will consist of individuals interested in cognition, especially women who want to understand their increased risk of dementia. By consulting with these participants, Laura aims to gather valuable insights and foster a collaborative research environment.
Gratitude and collaboration
Laura expresses immense gratitude to the donors to the Southmead Hospital Charity who made this research possible. She acknowledges the support from her collaborators, Professor Liz Coulthard, Dr. Sam Harding and Dr. Paul White, who helped refine her ideas and navigate the application process. The Research Grants team provided crucial assistance with financial aspects and costings.
"If you have an interesting research idea, I highly recommend applying for the Springboard Charity Research Fund. It provides the support you need and dedicated time to focus on your research without distractions."
Motivation for research
Laura's motivation for this research stems from her clinical work with women experiencing cognitive difficulties around menopause. Despite these challenges often not being detected in standard tests, the increased risk of Alzheimer's disease in women is a significant concern. Laura is passionate about understanding these risks and intervening early to prevent cognitive decline.
Laura’s project is a promising step towards understanding sex-based differences in dementia. By leveraging existing data and conducting thorough literature reviews, she aims to uncover critical insights that could lead to better interventions and improved cognitive health for women.
Southmead Hospital Charity Springboard Fund
Since its launch in 2007, the Southmead Hospital Charity Springboard Fund has evolved significantly, receiving over 300 applications and distributing £1.5 million across more than100 research projects. With fifteen rounds completed, the upcoming Round 16 is hoping to open for new applicants in Spring 2025. Donor funding has facilitated research across various clinical divisions, including women's health, orthopaedics, obstetrics & gynaecology, and COVID-19 studies.
Thanks to donations to Southmead Hospital Charity, the official charity of North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT), researchers at NBT can continue to push the boundaries of dementia research and improve the lives of patients and their families. Please visit our dedicated page to donate to future research.