Dementia research into how the brain adapts to damage – so people can stay healthier for longer

Dementia Research Leader Kamen Tsvetanov is working to understand brain resilience and how the brain adapts to change.
 

For Kamen Tsvetanov, at the University of Cambridge, dementia research is like solving a complex puzzle – it benefits from many different perspectives. 

‘Dementia is complicated and needs experts from different fields to work together. I thought my expertise in engineering and brain science could be useful,' he says. 

Just like how everyone worked together to fight polio in the past, we need scientists, doctors, patients and families all working together.
 

Dr Kamen Tsvetanov wearing a blue shirt and Alzheimer's Society pinbadge

Kamen is a senior postdoctoral researcher in the cognitive neuroscience of ageing and dementia. His Alzheimer’s Society fellowship has provided more than funding. 

‘It gives me what I need to complete my journey and make a significant contribution to the dementia field. 

‘This fellowship isn’t just about getting funds, it’s personal. It’s like having the voices of people affected by dementia and Society supporters alongside me on this research journey.’ 

Understanding how the brain adapts 

Kamen’s focus is on how people’s brains can adapt to damage caused by diseases such as Alzheimer’s. This means the damage may not affect their cognition – things like memory and thinking – as much or as quickly. 

‘I try to understand how the brain stays resilient in the long period before any symptoms of dementia show up, and what leads to their eventual decline in cognition,’ he says.   

‘I use new ways to examine brain scans at all ages. I assess when the brain starts to lose tissue and when different parts of the brain stop “talking” to each other. 

To understand this better, I use fancy maths to study brain information from lots of people who have dementia or might get it. 

‘I also look at where and when changes happen in the brain. Then I link this information to differences in people’s genes and how healthy the blood supply is to their brains.’ 

Optimism about brain research 

Kamen is excited about his work inspiring people to make changes that help to protect their cognitive wellbeing.

‘If we can help people know what to do to keep their brains healthy, we might be able to stop dementia for lots of people and keep them mentally sharp for longer,’ he says.

People in their 40s, 50s and 60s might start thinking differently about their health. They could make better choices that could push back dementia. 

‘I hope we’ll soon have practical steps ready to go into clinical practice, allowing us to find out who might get dementia and help them avoid it.’ 

Team effort against dementia

Kamen wants Alzheimer’s Society supporters to feel as hopeful as he does. 

‘By supporting dementia research, you’re part of a team effort to create a future where we might stop dementia before it starts or treat it much better. 

Every bit of help, every shared experience, brings us closer to beating dementia and changing brain health for everyone. 

‘Hearing stories from people with dementia and their families really touches me, and I feel that by doing this research, I could make a big difference.’ 
 

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Dementia together magazine

Dementia together magazine is for all Alzheimer’s Society supporters and anyone affected by the condition.
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