Ageing and changes in memory and speed of thinking in MS

Dr Daniel Merlo

Monash University, VIC

February 2025

specialisation: Neurobiology

focus area: Better treatments

funding type: Fellowship

project type: Investigator Led Research

Summary

MS is a disabling disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. Up to 65% of people living with MS will experience changes in how their brains process information such as difficulties in memory recall, problem-solving and processing speed (speed of thinking). As healthcare and MS treatments improve, the number of older people living with MS continues to grow. There is very little research on how memory and speed of thinking change as people living with MS grow older.

Dr Daniel Merlo’s research project aims to use digital tests that can be completed on a tablet or smartphone to measure changes in areas of thinking, such as memory, in people living with MS over the age of 50. Dr Merlo and his research team will look at the differences in thinking between people diagnosed with MS later in life (over the age of 50), compared to those diagnosed at a younger age. They also aim to identify changes in clinical or brain imaging features that predict if memory or speed of thinking will decline as people living with MS get older.

Increasing the knowledge on how thinking changes as people living with MS age will provide more information to doctors and their patients to be able to make informed shared care decisions.

lead investigator

co-investigator

total funding

$225,000

start year

2025

duration

3 years

STATUS

Current project

Stages of the research process

Fundamental laboratory Research

Laboratory research that investigates scientific theories behind the possible causes, disease progression, ways to diagnose and better treat MS.

Lab to clinic timeline

10+ years

Translational Research

Research that builds on fundamental scientific research to develop new therapies, medical procedures or diagnostics and advances it closer to the clinic.

Lab to clinic timeline

5+ years

Clinical Studies and Clinical Trials

Clinical research is the culmination of fundamental and translational research turning those research discoveries into treatments and interventions for people with MS.

Lab to clinic timeline

3+ years

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Ageing and changes in memory and speed of thinking in MS