PhD studentship at UCL: Visual system vulnerability in dementia: from detection to determinants

Cortical visual impairments (‘brainsight’, not eyesight loss) are disabling consequences of dementia associated with particular diagnostic and management needs. Such impairments have been reported in the majority of people with Alzheimer’s disease, particularly in posterior cortical atrophy (‘visual-led dementia’) where these symptoms precede loss of memory, language and insight.

People with dementia-related visual impairment are usually seen first by eye health professionals. They are frequently misdiagnosed with eye or psychological conditions, repeatedly change glasses or undergo surgery before determining their visual loss arises from cortical, rather than ocular deficits. Tests of cortical visual function are used rarely except by highly specialised neurology/neuro-ophthalmology diagnostic services. These diagnostic scenarios often delay diagnosis and treatment for years.

Project aims and objectives

• Aim 1: Improve detection of visual-led dementia
  Objective: Develop a test to detect dementia-related visual impairment in eye and dementia clinics
• Aim 2: Evaluate factors associated with cortical visual function in UK Biobank
  Objective: Derive a latent factor of cortical visual functioning in UK Biobank and evaluate candidate associated risk factors
• Aim 3: Evaluate factors associated with visual system vulnerability in dementia
  Objective: Compare genetic variants associated with cortical visual functioning and visual-led dementia

• Applicants are preferred to have first-class undergraduate and/or master’s degrees (or equivalent) in a numerate discipline, preferably in mathematical, computational, biological, engineering or physical sciences subjects or a related discipline, with an interest in using technology to solve health problems.
• Excellent organisational, interpersonal and communication skills, along with an interest in interdisciplinary research, are essential.
• Experience in computer programming is essential.
• Fluency and clarity in spoken English as well as good written English in accordance with UCL English requirements (TOEFL>92 or IELTS>6.5).

Open to UK, EU, and overseas students.

Applications are particularly welcome from candidates from the UK or from the EU with settled or pre-settled status in the UK. Please refer to our website for further information about Home tuition fee eligibility.

Please refer to this webpage for full eligibility criteria: Mechanical Engineering MPhil/PhD