People

Classification, Cartesian Genetic Programming, Evolutionary Algorithms, Machine Learning, MRI/fMRI data analysis, Mediation Analysis, and Neurodegenerative Diseases Diagnosis (Biomarkers) and Monitoring.

I am interested in the vulnerability of the ageing brain, especially changes cognitive ability and behaviour that can occur as part of healthy ageing, or as a result of diseases such as stroke or dementia.

My PhD project focuses on changes in cognitive ability in cerebral small vessel disease and how this might relate to structural brain changes that occur throughout the disease course.

During my PhD I have conducted a systematic review on the associations between domain specific cognitive ability and structural brain changes (visible on MRI) in sporadic small vessel disease. I am also employing structural equation modelling techniques to investigate the relationship between visible MRI markers of sporadic small vessel disease and cognitive ability longitudinally in several large cohorts.

My research aims to better characterise the cognitive symptomatology of cerebral small vessel disease and its trajectory over the disease course; examine how this relates to underlying changes in brain structure; and to explore how we can use neuroimaging, psychological and epidemiological data to more accurately predict outcomes for people with cerebral small vessel disease.

Supervisors: Professor Joanna Wardlaw and Professor Ian Deary

Extraction of morphological networks based on structural MRI, analysing network measures that can help in providing neuroimaging makers for dementia.

Brain Iron Deposition and Age-Related Cognitive Decline.

Dr. Jennifer Waymont is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Edinburgh, studying automated detection of perivascular spaces in the UK Biobank cohort with Professor Joanna Wardlaw's Small Vessel Disease group.

Jenny’s background is in psychology, having gained a BSc (hons) in Psychology with Clinical and Health Psychology, an MSc in Psychological Research, and an MSc in Neuroimaging, all within the School of Psychology at Bangor University in North Wales. After developing an interest in the applications of imaging for understanding brain health, Jenny went on to complete a PhD in Medical Imaging at the University of Aberdeen, where she studied life course factors associated with white matter hyperintensities in healthy ageing and in neurodegenerative diseases. Following her PhD, Jenny worked as a research officer for Brain Health Scotland, where she led on a project exploring current clinical services for people with cognitive complaints in Scotland.

Jenny’s research interests lie within the intersection of the brain and the mind, with a particular interest in psychosocial influences on brain health. She is also interested in the translation of psychological and neuroimaging research into clinical practice.