Eef Hogervorst

Professor Eef Hogervorst is a distinguished academic in the Department of Psychology, affiliated with the National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine (NCSEM). She holds a PhD from Maastricht University, specializing in modeling age-related cognitive decline. Her career includes roles at the Universities of Oxford, Arkansas Medical Sciences (USA), and Cambridge, focusing on neuropsychology and epidemiology related to Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive aging. Her research integrates neuroscience, public health, and exercise science, with a focus on dementia prevention, risk factors in aging populations, and interventions to improve quality of life for older adults. She has contributed to global initiatives like the STRiDE methodology for dementia prevalence studies in low-income countries and the PRIDE intervention promoting independence in dementia care. Her work spans Indonesia, South Africa, and the UK, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to address age-related health challenges.

Key research areas include Alzheimer’s biomarkers, menopausal hormone therapy effects, exercise interventions for frailty, and assistive technologies for dementia care. She has explored the relationship between physical activity, cognitive decline, and mental health in aging populations, particularly in Indonesia through collaborations like the Indonesia Care Networks Study. Her recent studies highlight the role of diet (e.g., phytoestrogens, tempe), salivary biomarkers, and environmental design adaptations for dementia patients. She advocates for policy-driven solutions to reduce dementia’s global burden, emphasizing early detection and community-based care models.

Prof. Hogervorst’s contributions include over 100 peer-reviewed articles, spanning epidemiological analyses, clinical trials, and design innovations. She co-authored the Nairobi Declaration to address dementia in low-resource settings and pioneered home adaptation projects like 'Chris and Sally’s House' to enhance dementia-friendly living environments. Her work bridges clinical practice, public health, and architectural design, fostering holistic approaches to aging and cognitive health.