Brain Health Research

Welcome to the epicenter of our trailblazing research in the field of brain health. At ASPIRE Precision Medicine Abu Dhabi, we strive to unveil the intricate workings of the human brain and in doing so, revolutionize our understanding and treatment of brain-related disorders.

Stay tuned for new updates and exciting content on this page.

Global Aging Challenge

As the global population grows older—with those over 60 expected to double by 2050 and triple by 2100—we face significant societal and health challenges. The primary concern among these is the increase in neurodegenerative disorders, which are becoming a major driver of age-related disability.

Towards Healthier Brain Aging

With genetics accounting for only 25% of factors influencing dementia, cognitive function, and neuropathology in aging, a significant portion (75%) is dependent on environmental and lifestyle factors.

Unique Challenges in the UAE

The UAE population carries specific traits related to high consanguinity, lifestyle, and metabolic disorders. These unique factors necessitate tailored strategies for promoting brain health in our communities.

Aging (60+) population growth by 2050

Dementia risk from lifestyle & environment

AImS

How We Plan To Solve Challenges

Promoting Healthy Brain Aging

Develop strategies and interventions that can enhance healthy brain aging, considering the projected rise in the global population of individuals over 60

Understanding Genetic and Lifestyle Factors

Uncover the impact of both genetic and lifestyle factors on brain health, cognitive function, and neuropathology, with a special focus on the unique traits of the UAE population

Predictive Markers and Interventions

Identify predictive markers of poor brain health and develop targeted interventions, leveraging a multidisciplinary approach to move beyond the constraints of traditional neuroscience

Projects

Neuroplasticity in normal brain aging and traumatic brain injury

offers a comprehensive exploration of the aging brain's adaptability seeking to understand the factors influencing our brain's resilience to trauma over time.

Establish the trajectory of brain plasticity in normal brain aging

Determine the effects of genetics, lifestyle, and disease on neuroplasticity

Examine changes in brain resiliency to TBI with aging

Diabetic Retinopathy and Blindness in Abu Dhabi

aims to unravel the progression and impact of diabetes-induced visual impairment and explore the genetic interplay involved.

Determine the time-course of retinal changes in DM and their functional effect

Determine the time-course of brain changes in DM in relation to visual deficits

Understand the Interactions between genetics and DM-related DR

Impact of obesity and diabetes on brain health

examines the correlation between metabolic disorders, like obesity and diabetes, and their consequences on brain health using MRI characterization and markers.

Understand Brain Health and Its Trajectory Methods

Use MRI to Characterize Obesity

Correlate Brain Health to Markers of Metabolic Disease

Biomarkers in primary progressive multiple sclerosis

focuses on discovering early indicators for a more accurate prognosis in MS patients.

Identify biomarkers that will allow earlier, more accurate prognosis in MS patients

Artificial intelligence algorithms in automatic recognition of clinical brain imaging

focuses on leveraging AI algorithms to automate CT image recognition and highlight potential stroke indicators.

Explore the use of artificial intelligence algorithms in automating the recognition of CT brain images.

Investigate the application of segmentation and combined 2D and 3D analysis in identifying damaged areas and determining their size.

Leverage deep learning models and clinical data to develop classification points for detecting suspicious stroke features.

Available resources

In the pursuit of understanding the complex mysteries of the brain, our Brain Health theme is powered by advanced technological resources. These facilities and platforms are indispensable tools that accelerate our innovative research and breakthrough discoveries.

Brain Imaging Core Technology Platform (CTP)

At the heart of our investigative efforts is the Brain Imaging CTP, furnished with a top-tier 3T Siemens MAGNETOM Prisma MRI scanner. This enables us to probe deeply into the brain's structure and functionality in a non-invasive manner.

Curation and Analysis Pipeline

We utilize an open cutting-edge neuroimaging data storage and analysis platform that streamlines standardized data curation, image processing, and reproducibility across our diverse projects.

High Performance Computing

In handling extensive neuroimaging data, we prioritize efficiency. That's why we have privileged access to NYU Abu Dhabi’s High-Performance Computing (HPC) cluster. This provides us with powerful supercomputer hardware and cloud services, propelling our data processing capabilities to new heights.

Flywheel

To streamline our data management and analysis, we utilize Flywheel. It's a leading-edge biomedical data research and machine learning platform that fosters standardized data curation and analysis across our diverse projects.

High Performance Computing

Brain Imaging Core Technology Platform (CTP)

Available resources

Flywheel

High Performance Computing

Brain Imaging Core Technology Platform (CTP)

Education

Principal Scientist, Translational Biology Automotive industry Principal Scientist, Translational Biology Power engineering Principal Scientist, Translational Biology Mechanical engineering Principal Scientist, Translational Biology Biological engineering

Latest Publications

Underpinning our pioneering work in brain health are a series of influential publications that delve into various facets of this intricate field. From exploring the profound plasticity of white matter following cataract surgery in congenitally blind patients to investigating the intricate transformation from 2D retinal to 3D head-centric motion signals, our research transcends the conventional to unlock new insights.

View Publications

Plasticity in Neurological Recovery