A University of Aberdeen scientist will tonight (Monday, December 4) be honoured for his groundbreaking research into the ageing brain.
The work of Lawrence Whalley, Professor of Mental Health at the University of Aberdeen, and two of his collaborators at the University of Edinburgh, will be recognised with the presentation of the Margaret McLellan Award.
The award is being presented to Professor Lawrence Whalley and his team for their contributions to the scientific understanding of age-related loss of brain function and memory. The Award is made by Tenovus Scotland every two years for what is thought to be the best research carried out over recent years in Scotland in a specified field. This year, Tenovus invited nominations for all aspects of brain research, including psychiatry and neurology.
Ten years ago, University of Aberdeen researchers began their study of local people from the 1921 and 1936 birth cohorts. They tracked down over 1,000 people from the North-east of Scotland who had taken the same IQ test in 1932 or 1947 and asked if they could help with their research. A 10-year research programme was soon established, supported in Aberdeen by the Henry Smith Charity, BBSCR, MRC, the Chief Scientist’s Office of Scottish Health Department, the Wellcome Trust and the Alzheimer Research Trust.
A total of 743 people agreed to participate in the first studies, which used questionnaires on mental and physical health, emotional and social well-being and dietary habits. They also had their blood taken, their weight, height, heart and lung function and blood pressure measured and they completed a series of psychological tests to examine brain speed and function.
Over the next nine years, these volunteers returned up to five times to complete fresh rounds of similar tests. Of the original sample, over 100 born in 1921 had brain MRI exams up to four times over three years. Since 2003, 250 of those born in 1936 have had the same MRI brain scans.
More than 80 also took part in a separate functional MRI scan which involved them having their brain monitored as they performed a simple task while in the scanner for 45 minutes. This is thought to be the largest functional MRI experiment of its kind in the world.
Professor Whalley and his team are receiving the coveted Margaret McLellan award in recognition for this extensive research programme, which has received wide international acclaim.
Their ultimate hope is that findings from their studies will pave the way for personalised medicine, which could slow age related disorders like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Professor Whalley said: “The research team in Aberdeen and Edinburgh is delighted that our research is being recognised in this way.
“If we can understand more about brain ageing processes and how some people can withstand the worst that old age can do, then we can try to slow or prevent age related brain disorders in the less fortunate.”
Professor Whalley will receive the award tonight (Monday, December 4) at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in Glasgow.