Multiple sclerosis (MS) and Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) are common neurodegenerative disorders in younger and older adults respectively. While they have different causes, they are both associated with damage to the brain. Also certain factors, such as systemic infections may make both conditions worse. An increased amount of iron in the brain has also been linked with both MS and AD. Recent research has found that mild systemic infections may result in the release of haemoglobin, the red pigment in red blood cells, and this is a source of iron. Hence it is possible that there is a link between systemic infection, red blood cell release of haemoglobin, brain iron and severity of the condition.
Several thousand UK Biobank participants have a diagnosis of MS or AD. Control individuals with no neurological disease are easily selected from amongst the other participants. In this project the brain iron content of individuals with AD and MS will be studied to see whether there is a link to haemoglobin release and/or systemic inflammation, and disease severity. The severity of MS or AD will be based on patient report as well as brain magnetic resonance images. Patient report will include memory and information processing speed, physical activity, employment, and other social and health outcomes.
This study may deliver new insights which may in turn lead to new treatments for MS or AD. It will provide a PhD student, working under close supervision, with experience in research and scientific publications to further their careers.