This project aims to investigate the heart-brain axis and the role of cardiovascular dysfunction-such as atrial fibrillation or heart failure-in the development of major neurological diseases, including stroke, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and cognitive impairment. While cardiovascular and neurological diseases are leading causes of global morbidity and mortality, the mechanisms linking them remain poorly understood. We will explore how lifestyle factors (e.g., physical activity, smoking), genetic risk, imaging biomarkers, multi-omics data, medication use, and environmental exposures contribute to this complex interplay.
Key research questions include:
How does cardiovascular dysfunction, such as atrial fibrillation or heart failure, influence the risk and progression of neurological disorders?
What are the modifying effects of lifestyle, genetic predisposition, and molecular signatures (e.g., proteomics, metabolomics) on this relationship?
What roles do brain and cardiac imaging biomarkers play in mediating heart-brain interactions?
Can commonly used cardiovascular medications modify the neurological risk profile in susceptible individuals?
We will use UK Biobank’s rich, multidimensional dataset-including imaging, genetics, health records, and omics-to identify novel risk pathways and predictive markers. Advanced statistical and machine learning techniques will be employed to uncover phenotypic clusters and causal mechanisms.
This research aims to inform early detection, prevention, and intervention strategies for patients at risk of both cardiovascular and neurological conditions. The findings will support integrated, precision medicine approaches to improve long-term outcomes and reduce the burden of heart and brain diseases.