PhD student Mitchell Hoggarth

Mitchell's project asks:

Can particles released by the brain be used to diagnose Lewy body dementia?

There are no simple tests that can clearly distinguish Lewy body dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. My research aims to change this by developing a blood test that can help doctors make more accurate diagnoses.

Tell us about your project

I will study tiny particles called small extracellular vesicles, which are released by brain cells and travel into the bloodstream. These vesicles carry important molecules, such as proteins and RNA, which can reveal what is happening in the brain.

By analysing these molecules in people with Lewy body dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and those without dementia, I hope to identify specific patterns that are unique to Lewy body dementia. Using advanced sequencing techniques and artificial intelligence, this research aims to find the best combination of markers that can distinguish between the two conditions.

In the future, this work could lead to a simple blood test to support diagnosis and improve care for people living with dementia.

What does it mean to you to be a part of this Doctoral Training Centre?

Being part of the Alzheimer’s Society Doctoral Training Centre means joining a leading research community dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by dementia.  

It gives me the chance to learn from leading experts, collaborate with fellow students across institutions, and engage with people living with dementia and their families, giving my research real-world meaning.

For me, it represents an opportunity to grow as a researcher while contributing to work that can make a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by Lewy body dementia.