Interests
Neuroscientist
To prevent dementia, we need to champion a life course approach by identifying opportunities to enhance brain health and minimize risk as early as possible.
Current Work
Francesca is a neuroscientist whose research focuses on identifying and addressing modifiable factors that affect the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. She is especially interested in early detection of risk and resilience factors in young adulthood and mid-life. She collaborates with patient advocacy and community organizations to reduce the stigma surrounding dementia and promote public awareness of brain health.
Words of Strength
Making connections
Vision
To prevent dementia, Francesca believes we need to promote better understanding and awareness of risk and protective factors early in the life course, particularly in young and middle-aged adults. We also need to amplify the voices of people living with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and other dementias, and their care partners, to reduce fear surrounding the conditions.
Strategy
Francesca is a mixed-methods researcher. She conducts observational and intervention studies using psychological measures, cognitive testing, neuroimaging, and qualitative interviewing. She works with community-based and patient populations, including people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. She also organizes community outreach projects to promote better understanding of brain health.
Impact
Francesca is excited and honored to be part of the global community of Atlantic Fellows. Since completing the fellowship, she has continued to gain diverse perspectives of brain health and dementia by collaborating with experts from across the world. She hopes that her work will support dementia prevention, and ultimately, foster more inclusive and age-friendly societies.
Motivation
Francesca works towards a future where everyone can easily access the resources needed to promote healthy brain aging, and where people living with dementia are empowered and supported in their community.
Education & Experience
Francesca received her PhD in neuroscience from the National University of Ireland, Maynooth, in 2016. She completed post-doctoral training at the School of Psychology, University College Dublin, and the Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, before joining the Global Brain Health Institute in 2020. She is currently a Research Assistant Professor at the University of Chicago.
In addition to research, Francesca is passionate about cross-disciplinary collaboration between the arts and sciences. In 2018, she co-authored a popular science book, Why Science Needs Art (Routledge, UK).
Awards & Honors
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Francesca
a NoteHave ideas for global brain health or a collaboration? I would love to hear from you. Feel free to send an introductory note.
