Yoana Kordovska, MSc Dementia: Causes, Treatments and Research

1. What is your educational background?

I graduated with a BSc Biomedical Sciences (Anatomy) from Cardiff University in July 2022. Additionally, I undertook a 6 week online course in Functional Neuroanatomy at the University of Cambridge. During my final year as an undergraduate I was able to gain work experience in a care home, assisting individuals suffering from different types of neurodegenerative disease in personal care. This allowed me to gain invaluable practical experience in the field of dementia, in regard to patient behaviour and disease progression.

2. Why did you choose to apply to this programme?

Being able to choose from a wide range of world-class laboratories within the UCL Institute of Neurology to work with as part of my Research Project allows me to expand upon my knowledge within my area of interest as well as serves as an excellent first step in my future career plans. The UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology is home to some of the most influential academics and researchers in neuroscience worldwide and being able to learn from them is hugely motivating and rewarding.

3. What have you enjoyed most about the programme so far?

The ability to learn from case studies and the overall practical approach to treatment of dementia we are being taught in our lectures is extremely beneficial.

4. What are your future career goals?

My future career plans are to pursue a PhD degree and IoN is a great place to begin that journey.

5. What would be your top tip for incoming students?

I would advise prospective students to make the most out of all the opportunities offered to them as part of the Institute of Neurology. There is truly a lot you can get involved in in addition to your studies and the experience you get out of it is invaluable!