Research group

Dementia

Elderly man sat on a bench next to an alpine lake

We undertake innovative research into the causes of dementia, helping to develop and test new biomarkers and treatments.  

    About

    The Dementia Research Group studies the underlying causes of dementia and undertakes translational research for the ultimate benefit of people living with dementia. We are a group of scientists and clinicians who collaborate closely with experts in related fields within the University of Southampton and beyond. 

    Our main research areas include:

    • Inflammation in dementia
    • Clinical studies and biomarkers in dementia
    • Neuroimaging  

    Memory Assessment and Research Centre  

    Our group works closely with the Memory Assessment and Research Centre (MARC), an internationally renowned research centre for dementia research and treatment for over 30 years. MARC has conducted over 200 pharmaceutical trials, observational studies or basic science projects aimed at improving the diagnosis and treatment of memory disorders including Alzheimer's disease; Lewy body dementia, Vascular dementia and Mild cognitive impairment. 

    MARC was instrumental in the development of our current treatments for Alzheimer's disease and is at the cutting edge of new therapies. MARC believes everyone can contribute to dementia research by taking part in simple surveys or by taking part in complex drug studies. MARC also educates the lay public and healthcare professionals about dementia and its treatment, and gives academic support to trainees and students to develop the next generation of researchers.  

    People, projects and publications

    People

    Professor Amritpal Mudher

    Professor of Neuroscience

    Accepting applications from PhD students

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    Dr Angus Prosser

    Senior Research Fellow
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    Dr Aravinthan Varatharaj BMBCh MA(Oxon) PhD PGCME MRCP

    Associate Professor in Neurology

    Accepting applications from PhD students

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    Dr Arjuna Ratnayaka

    Associate Professor

    Accepting applications from PhD students

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    Professor Delphine Boche

    Professor of Neuroimmunopathology

    Research interests

    • Neuroimmunology and neurodegeneration
    • Immunophenotyping immune cells
    • Human brain pathology
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    Professor Diego Gomez-Nicola PhD

    Professor

    Research interests

    • Neuroimmunology
    • Neurodegeneration
    • Neurodevelopment

    Accepting applications from PhD students

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    Professor Ian Galea MD FRCP PhD

    Prof (Clinical & Experimental Neurology)

    Research interests

    • Brain haemorrhage: pathophysiology
    • Blood-brain barrier and immune-brain signalling
    • Neuroimmunology

    Accepting applications from PhD students

    Connect with Ian

    Dr Jay Amin BM, MRCPsych, PhD

    Assoc Prof in Psychiatry of Older Age

    Research interests

    • Developing our understanding of the role of inflammation in Lewy body dementia and Alzheimer's disease, including how it affects disease progression.
    • Undertaking cohort studies exploring clinical outcomes in dementia.
    • Undertaking clinical trials testing novel treatments in dementia.

    Accepting applications from PhD students

    Connect with Jay

    Related research institutes, centres and groups

    Related research institutes, centres and groups