CMIC Showcases Brain Imaging Techniques at Alzheimer's Research UK Open Day
6 August 2024
Researchers from the UCL Centre for Medical Imaging Computing (CMIC) engaged the public with innovative neuroimaging activities at the Alzheimer’s Research UK London Network Open Day, highlighting advancements in dementia research.
The Alzheimer’s Research UK (ARUK) London Network held a successful Open Day on 13th July at UCL's main campus. This Public Patient Involvement and Engagement (PPI/E) event featured researchers from UCL, King's College London, Imperial College, and Queen Mary University of London.
The CMIC-DRC team, including James Cole, Maitrei Kohli, Sophie Martin, Francesca Biondo, Beatrice Taylor, Isaac Llorente Saguer, Michela Gravina, Catherine Scott, and Jack D. Cameron, showcased their work at a stand titled "Imaging the Brain in Alzheimer's."
The event featured four interactive activities for attendees of all ages:
Dino MRI: Demonstrated how MRI can observe internal brain changes, indicating healthy ageing or signs of dementia.
Guess the Brain Age: Explained brain age and its role in predicting dementia risk.
Growth Charts: Showcased normative modelling to compare individual brain ageing patterns to typical ones.
3D Brain Game: Introduced the SuSTain model to understand brain atrophy patterns in Alzheimer's patients.
The Open Day attracted many carers and families eager to learn about our research. Attendees asked insightful questions and shared valuable perspectives, which will guide future research. The positive interactions reaffirmed the importance of community engagement in advancing Alzheimer’s research.
Professor James Cole, said: The UCL team did a great job engaging with all the visitors to our stand about our work in brain imaging for dementia. It was exciting to see such a range of visitors, from young to old, from the merely curious to those affected directly by dementia. The Dino MRI scanner was a particular hit, and not just with children!
The CMIC-DRC team extends their gratitude to everyone who visited their stand and shared their stories and curiosity.