Name:
Dr Charlotte Stoner
Job Title:
Research Associate
Place of work / study:
Office of the NIHR National Director for Dementia Research
University College London
Area of Research:
Currently exploring the cognitive footprint concept which involves looking at the small but insidious changes to cognition across the lifespan with a focus on the effects of medication, loneliness, pollution and brain injury. My work is around examining medications that either impair or enhance cognition across the lifespan.
Tell us a little about yourself:
I did my undergraduate degree in psychology and clinical psychology at the University of Kent and then worked as a support worker in Kentish Town. I moved into research following that and completed my PhD at UCL last year. My PhD involved developing and evaluating outcome measures to be used in dementia research, from a strengths/ capabilities or positive psychology standpoint.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself:
I once won a gold medal at a Dance Festival for a dance to ‘everybody wants to be a cat’ from the Aristocats.
Why did you choose to work in dementia?
When I finished my undergraduate degree and was looking for jobs, I applied for anything and everything psychology related. The job I got was as a support worker in a day centre for people with dementia. I was supported by a fantastic retired nurse and really enjoyed my time there. After that, I decided it was the area I wanted to work in.