Dr Lucinda Craggs
Research Associate

Introduction

The aim of my project is to further understanding of cerebrovascular disease and its effects on the progression of vascular dementia (VaD) and small vessel disease (SVD). I work in the Neurovascular Research Group under the supervision of Professor Raj Kalaria. My work will investigate how vessels of the brain age, become diseased or play a role in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. I will use animal models of VaD and SVD, including familial forms of VaD such as CADASIL, stroke and cerebral hypoperfusion to identify disease processes and mechanisms of neurodegeneration.

Qualifications

BSc Hons in Animal Science, Nottingham University
PhD in Nutritional Biochemistry, Nottingham University, entitled “Manipulation of muscle growth and meat quality by action of vitamin D and its analogues”.

Research Interests

I am interested in the mechanisms underlying vascular dementia (VaD). Dementia can be associated with inherited genetic faults, but in over 90% of cases the strongest risk factor is age. In cases of VaD the strongest risk factors are hypertension, diabetes, and the the ApoE E4 allele. My work investigates disease mechanisms of vascular dementia using animal models of VaD.

Other Expertise

Previous work during my PhD investigated signalling pathways in control of muscle fibre type and identified the potential role for vitamin D to maintain muscle fibre types, with specific emphasis on reducing risk of falling in elderly patients. My PhD also investigated vitamin D's effects on proteolytic activity of the calpain system post mortem with a view to improving meat quality, and effects of vitamin D on muscle cell development from proliferating myoblasts to mature multinucleated muscle fibres.

Current Work

My work will use models of known genetic mutations which are associated with dementia and investigate their effects on amyloid plaque and neurofibrillary tangle formation, cerebrovascular changes and the resulting neurodegeration.