Protecting the Brain's Security Gate Against Stress in Dementia

Brain ageing is characterised by a progressive decline in cellular resilience and cognitive function. At the cellular level, this deterioration is driven by altered molecular profiles, elevated oxidative stress, and chronic inflammation. Crucially, it compromises the blood-brain barrier, the brain's security gate. Much like a protective wall worn down by a relentless storm, this barrier weakens under biological stress. In conditions such as dementia, this breach allows toxic substances to enter the brain and accelerate disease progression. By investigating these cellular changes, we aim to uncover early diagnostic biomarkers and develop novel therapies to protect and restore the ageing brain.

Research developments

• Understand the problem: Identify the types of “storms” (stressor) that affect the brain’s cells and contribute to brain ageing and injury. We have established a brain ageing model at Derby utilising specific cellular stressors
• Prevention: Identify ways to “storm-proof” the cells of the brain from the stressors. We are investigating methods to prevent or mitigate the damaging effects of these stressors
• Early diagnosis: Investigate whether early changes can be detected, potentially helping us identify disease-related changes earlier. Our research evaluates distinct molecular profiles, barrier integrity, and biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammaging in young versus aged cells, aiming to unlock new pathways for early brain ageing diagnosis
• Potential therapeutic target: Ultimately, our goal is to develop interventions that mitigate stressor-induced brain damage. We are currently evaluating novel hormetic compounds for their potential to counter brain ageing.

Research impacts

We need lived experiences to actively bridge basic science and patient insights, helping to shape research that has the potential to deliver meaningful future healthcare impact for people living with dementia and their families. We recently hosted a Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) event at the University to shape the future of dementia research. The event brought together an incredible mix of perspectives: dementia patients, carers, researchers, clinicians, students, lecturers and members of the local community. Bringing these different perspectives together provided an important opportunity to connect lived experience with laboratory research, helping to ensure that future research is informed by the experiences and needs of people affected by dementia.

Funders

University of Derby VC Award 2026

Researchers

• Dr Stella Ademowo, UoD 2020 - Date
• Prof. Myra Conway, UoD 2021 - Date
• Assoc. Prof. Adjanie Patabendige, UoD 2025 - Date
• Dr Olubukola Oyebode, UoD 2022 - Date
• Dr Bethany Richardson, UoD 2023 - Date
• Prof Alexandra Stolzing, University of Loughborough, UK
• Assoc. Prof. Olga Oskolkova, Uni Graz, Austria
• Prof Valery Bochkov, University of Graz, Austria.