Eddy Roccati

Dr. Eddy Roccati is a Research Fellow at the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, University of Tasmania. His work focuses on dementia prevention through epidemiological studies and innovative interventions, combining clinical research with public health strategies.

• Affiliations: Wicking Dementia Centre (primary), Honorary Fellow at University of Melbourne
• Education: PhD in Neuroscience (Australian Catholic University, 2019), BSc (Honours) Neuroscience (University of Melbourne, 2016)

Research Interests

Roccati investigates modifiable risk factors for dementia (e.g., diet, education, physical activity) and develops non-invasive biomarkers for early detection. He leads large-scale studies like the Island Study Linking Ageing and Neurodegenerative Disease (ISLAND) and Tasmanian Healthy Brain Project (THBP), emphasizing equity and community engagement.

Key Contributions

His team developed smartphone-based screening tools (e.g., TapTalk) to detect preclinical Alzheimer’s and won awards for their RUN for the ISLAND initiative promoting physical activity and dementia awareness. Roccati has published over 50 peer-reviewed articles and secured grants totaling $1.5M+.

Grants & Funding

• NHMRC Ideas Grant ($899,792): Hand-movement analysis for AD screening
• RHHRF Grant ($446,957): Non-invasive AD biomarker testing
• Dementia Australia Research Foundation ($85,000): Dementia risk dashboard

Leadership

Member of Wicking Dementia Centre Leadership Group, Early Career Researcher Network (UTAS), and international dementia prevention networks. Supervises 3 PhD students and mentors early-career researchers globally.