Dorina Cadar

Dorina Cadar is a Reader in Neuroepidemiology and Dementia at Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS), University of Sussex, where she leads the Cognitive Epidemiology, Dementia, and Ageing Research (CEDAR) lab. She holds honorary affiliations with University College London (UCL) and has previously held senior research fellowships at UCL’s Department of Behavioural Science and Health and MRC Lifelong Health and Ageing Unit. She is a key investigator on multiple national and international research projects funded by NIHR, ESRC, Alzheimer’s Society, and UKHSA.

Education:

• PhD in Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London (2013)
• Postgraduate Certificate in Cognitive Ageing Research Methods, University of Edinburgh (Distinction, 2013)
• MSc in Clinical Neuroscience, King’s College London (2009)
• BSc in Psychology (Hons), Birkbeck, University of London (2008)

Her research focuses on modifiable risk factors for cognitive ageing and dementia, with a strong emphasis on socioeconomic inequalities, psychosocial factors, lifestyle behaviours, inflammation, and cognitive reserve. She employs longitudinal population studies such as the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) and international cohorts to uncover biopsychosocial mechanisms underlying cognitive decline. Her work bridges epidemiology, neuroscience, psychology, and public health to inform prevention strategies and policy.

Her recent publications reveal consistent themes: the role of systemic inflammation in mediating dementia risk, bidirectional links between mental health and cognition, socioeconomic gradients in neurocognitive disorders, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cognitive health. These studies leverage large datasets and advanced statistical methods to identify actionable targets for intervention.

Scientific Awards and Recognitions:

• MRC Career Development Fellow
• Award of Innovation for neuroimaging research in dementia
• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
• Nomination for Exceptional Feedback (UCL Students’ Union)

Dorina is actively involved in research supervision and teaching. She is the Course Leader for the MSc Dementia Studies at BSMS and is developing a new MSc in Ageing and Dementia. She supervises undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students on topics related to neuroepidemiology, dementia prevention, and psychosocial resilience. She also serves as an Associate Editor for BMC Psychiatry and Brain Sciences, and chairs the Communication Committee of the Society for Social Medicine. Her leadership in public engagement includes founding the 'Use it, don’t lose it!' initiative to promote brain health.

Laboratories and Research Groups:

• Director, Cognitive Epidemiology, Dementia, and Ageing Research (CEDAR) Lab, BSMS
• Principal Investigator on grants including 'VIVALDI ASCOT', 'Cognitive Reserve and Dementia', and 'Social Determinants of Dementia in the UK and Japan'
• Collaborator on international projects funded by NIA, CIHR, and Japanese Institute of Health