Maiya R. Geddes

Maiya R. Geddes serves as Associate Professor in McGill University's Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery and directs the Geddes's Lab for Motivational Neuromedicine at The Neuro (Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital). Her translational research program within the Cognitive Neuroscience Unit and Brain Imaging Centre investigates neurobiological mechanisms of motivational resilience in aging and Alzheimer's disease, employing multi-modal neuroimaging to develop dementia prevention interventions.

Her educational background includes:

• MD from University of British Columbia
• Adult Neurology Residency at McGill University
• CIHR-funded Postdoctoral Fellowship at MIT's McGovern Institute
• Behavioural Neurology & Neuropsychiatry Fellowship at Harvard

Dr. Geddes' research integrates cognitive neuroscience with geriatric neurology, focusing on how motivational processes influence brain health in aging. Her lab combines fMRI techniques with behavioral interventions targeting physical activity adherence, smoking cessation, and generativity in Alzheimer's risk populations. Current work emphasizes precision medicine frameworks for lifestyle modifications to enhance cognitive resilience.

Recent publications (2018-2024) reveal consistent focus on neuroimaging correlates of lifestyle behaviors in aging, with increasing emphasis on intervention trials and remote assessment methodologies developed during the pandemic. Her work bridges basic neuroscience with clinical applications for dementia prevention.

Major recognitions include:

• 2024 Brain Canada Future Leaders Award
• American Neuropsychiatric Association Career Development Award
• Montreal Neurological Institute Killam Scholar designation

She leads NIH/CIHR-funded trials including a joint NIH-Alzheimer Society study enhancing physical activity in high-risk older adults. Her program receives continuous support from NIA, CIHR, NSERC, FRQS, Brain Canada, and Healthy Brains Healthy Lives, reflecting strong grant acquisition capacity. Though specific students aren't listed, her lab actively trains researchers in cognitive neuroscience methodologies.

Dr. Geddes directs the Geddes's Lab for Motivational Neuromedicine within The Neuro's Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, collaborating with the PREVENT-AD Research Group and Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging. Her team develops digital tools for remote cognitive assessment while advancing fMRI-based biomarkers for motivational processes in aging.