AIMs The human brain is responsible for all of the body’s functions, including our mental processes, such as problem solving, memory, decision making, personality and emotions. The complex processes carried out by the brain requires a lot of energy; so much so that the brain accounts for 20% of the body’s total energy use, despite only accounting for 2% of the body’s weight. The two main sources of energy for the brain are oxygen and glucose.

It is poorly understand how brain energy changes across the adult lifespan. Important questions remain, including: How does a person’s life experiences change the way their brain uses energy? How do subtle variations in brain energy influence mental abilities? How do variations in brain energy relate to risk for dementia? In this study we will explore the answers to these questions.

In this study, we will:

1. Acquire comprehensive information about you and your life experiences, including information about your personal and family history, your physical and mental health;
2. Measure your cognitive abilities like memory and problem solving
3. Scan your brain to measure dynamic changes in oxygen and glucose use in your brain.

WHAT'S INVOLVED?

1. Completing an online consent form and survey
2. Put your brain to the test by completing a cognitive assessment at our lab at Monash University (Clayton campus)
3. Completing a brain scan session

ELIGIBILITY We are currently recruiting right-handed individuals, aged 30-35yrs, with no history of psychiatric illness. We will be recruiting people outside of these criteria at a later date so express interest if you'd like to be on the waitlist.

YOUR IMPACT Your participation will allow us to understand the normal development of brain structure, function and energy use over the adult lifespan. In the future, we hope to use this work to inform the development of early interventions for age-related cognitive decline.

HOW TO PROCEED? Please contact us at cogneurolab@monash,edu or hit the 'Apply' button below, and we will reach out with more info!