Professor Scott Ayton is the Director of the Centre of Research Excellence in Enhanced Dementia Diagnosis (CREEDD) and head of the Dementia Mission and the Translational Neurodegeneration Group at The Florey Neuroscience Institute.

Professor Scott Ayton shares with us the intriguing world of neuroscience, shedding light on how it intertwines with psychology, biochemistry, and physiology to unlock the mysteries of the brain. He offers a glimpse into a typical day for a neuroscientist, from pioneering research on diagnosing neurological conditions using cutting-edge imaging and blood tests to hands-on work in the lab, where neurons are grown and exposed to various chemicals to unravel the complexities of dementia.

Scott passionately discusses the transformative biomedical revolution currently underway and highlights how recent breakthroughs in dementia research are set to revolutionise the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's Disease. As the Director of the Centre of Research Excellence in Enhanced Dementia Diagnosis, he plays a crucial role in translating innovative research diagnostic tests into clinical practice, aiming to enhance diagnostic accuracy and bolster doctors' confidence.

Listeners will gain insight into the evolving understanding of Alzheimer's disease pathologies and the impact of new blood tests in detecting these conditions. Scott underscores how increased investment in dementia research has fuelled these advancements, emphasising their critical role in the ongoing development of diagnostics and treatments that promise to reshape our approach to dementia care.

“I really believe in the power of research to change the world.”

“Dementia is a disease. It's an abnormality. It's not what happens during aging. It is something abnormal. And that's the good news, because if it is a disease, we can intervene, as we have for countless other diseases.”

Hosted by Darshini Ayton and Sarah Carmody

Produced by Darshini Ayton

Music by Luke Champion

An initiative of the Centre of Research Excellence in Enhanced Dementia Diagnosis which is funded by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council.

This podcast was recorded on Wurundjeri Country. We acknowledge the Traditional owners and custodians of the Wurundjeri Land, the Boonwurrung and the Woiwurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present. Lands which Sovereignty was never ceded. Always was, always will be Aboriginal Lands.