PhD Student Elisabeth Mullen

Elisabeth' project is looking at:

How stroke may increase the risk of developing dementia later in life  

Stroke causes damage to the brain which can affect memory, thinking and other cognitive functions. I’m particularly interested in two brain cell types that have important roles in maintaining a healthy brain.

My research studies how interactions between brain support cells are altered in the brain after a stroke leading to cognitive decline and dementia.

Tell us about your project

Oligodendrocytes are cells that produce myelin, a protective coating that helps nerve signals travel quickly and efficiently. Microglia are the brain’s immune cells, which help respond to injury and maintain brain health.

Recent research suggests that after stroke, these cells change their behaviour. Oligodendrocytes may transition into a “disease-associated” state which shows signs of inflammation and changes to the way they communicate with other brain cells.

In this project, I will investigate how oligodendrocytes and microglia communicate with each other after stroke and how these interactions may affect brain tissue.

I will be using advanced techniques which allow us to study gene activity in individual cells and see how different cell types are organised within brain tissue. I will also combine these techniques with information we capture from a mouse model of stroke through imaging and behavioural studies. 

How will this research impact people living with dementia?

By understanding how brain cells interact after stroke, we hope to identify biological processes that may contribute to long-term cognitive decline. Ultimately, this research could help identify new therapeutic targets to protect the brain and reduce the risk of dementia after stroke.

What does it mean to you to be a part of Alzheimer's Society Doctoral Training Centre?

It’s been really inspiring to meet other students in the Doctoral Training Centre who are all working towards the shared goal of improving our understanding of dementia. I also really value that the Doctoral Training Centre encourages engagement with people who have lived experiences of dementia. Hearing their perspective is incredibly important and helps ensure that our research remains focused on making a real difference.  

Being part of the Alzheimer’s Society Doctoral Training Centre is an incredible opportunity. Not only does it provide the support and funding to do my research, but also access to a wider network of researchers, clinicians and people affected by dementia.