Patrick Gajewski

PD Dr. Patrick Gajewski is a scientific staff member specializing in Aging research at the Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo) in Dortmund, Germany, affiliated with the Faculty of Educational Science, Psychology and Educational Research at Technische Universität Dortmund. He has been working in the "Ageing" networking group at IfADo since 2007 and previously worked in the "Flexible Behavior Control" research group from 2001-2007.

Dr. Gajewski completed his habilitation (Venia Legendi for Psychology, Priv.-Doz.) in 2017 at TU Dortmund University, following his doctorate in 2005 from Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf where he earned his Dr. rer. nat. degree. He received his psychology degree (Dipl.-Psych.) from Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf between 1994-2001, with a major in biological psychology and minor in psychiatry.

His research focuses on cognitive neuroscience of aging, particularly examining how cognitive functions change across the lifespan. His work investigates the intersection of neurophysiology, immunology, and cognitive performance in aging populations. Key areas include:

• Effects of Toxoplasma gondii infection on cognitive aging
• Neurophysiological correlates of cognitive decline
• Impact of physical activity on cognitive maintenance in older adults
• Workplace cognitive performance and aging
• Burnout and cognitive function in working populations
• Psychoneuroimmunology of aging

Dr. Gajewski's publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on understanding cognitive aging through electrophysiological methods (particularly EEG and ERP), with numerous studies examining attention, working memory, and executive function across the adult lifespan. His more recent work has increasingly integrated immunological markers with cognitive assessments, exploring how biological factors interact with cognitive aging processes.

Among his notable contributions are studies on how latent Toxoplasma gondii infection affects cognitive performance in seniors, the relationship between cortisol levels and burnout, and the neural correlates of cognitive training effects in older adults. His research has practical applications for workplace interventions to maintain cognitive performance in aging workforces.

Dr. Gajewski collaborates extensively with researchers across multiple disciplines including immunology, toxicology, and occupational medicine, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of his work on cognitive aging. His publications appear in high-impact journals spanning neuroscience, psychology, immunology, and occupational health.