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Name:
Dr Alana Brown
Job title:
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Place of work/study:
Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest Academy for Research and Education
Area of Research:
I study brain aging and cognitive health, with a focus on understanding how biological and social factors related to sex and gender shape aging trajectories. My goal is to help develop more accurate and inclusive models of brain health.
How is your work funded:
I am a member of Team 10 (Cognitive Intervention, Reserve, and Brain Plasticity) within the Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Ageing (CCNA). The CCNA is supported by a grant from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), with funding from several partners. My postdoctoral work is also supported by the Alzheimer Society Research Program and a CIHR Travel Award from the Institute of Gender and Health.
Tell us a little about yourself:
I am a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Rotman Research Institute, part of the Baycrest Academy for Research and Education. I earned my PhD in Psychology from the University of Toronto in 2024. My interdisciplinary expertise spans Sex- and Gender-Based Analysis Plus (SGBA+), statistics, memory, neuroimaging, sleep science and neuroendocrinology.
My research brings these areas together to examine sex-specific trajectories of brain ageing. By applying SGBA+ frameworks alongside advanced neurocognitive analysis methods, I aim to develop more precise and equitable models of brain health across the lifespan.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself:
Outside research I enjoy movies, pottery, travelling, camping, and spending time with my pug named Pepperoni.
Why did you choose to work in dementia?
My path into dementia research began during my PhD, when I investigated the cognitive, brain, and sleep-related effects of surgical ovarian removal. I was motivated by the realisation that many aspects of women’s brain health remain underexplored, even though women represent approximately two-thirds of people living with Alzheimer’s disease. Understanding and addressing these disparities inspired me to focus my research on sex differences in brain ageing and dementia risk, with the goal of helping create more equitable and precise approaches to brain health.
What single piece of advice would you give to an early-career researcher?
Do not be afraid to pursue research questions that challenge existing assumptions. Some of the most meaningful discoveries come from investigating gaps in our knowledge, especially in areas that have historically been overlooked. Research advances when scientists are willing to explore these gaps and persist even when the answers are not immediately clear.
What book are you reading right now? Would you recommend it?
I am currently reading The Bee Sting by Paul Murray and would definitely recommend it. Its shifting points of view offer a fascinating exploration of how difficult it is to truly know about other people’s thoughts and experiences..
Favourite film of all time?
Blade Runner
Favourite ways to unplug and unwind?
I unwind through doing pottery, watching movies, and camping.
What’s the best decision you ever made?
One of the best decisions I have made was pursuing research in women’s brain health during my MA, PhD, and postdoctoral research. That experience shaped my career path and drew me into dementia research, where I focus on addressing important gaps in how we understand brain aging.
What’s your favourite vacation spot?
In terms of best vacation spots, I have really enjoyed Hawaii and Ireland. Anywhere near ocean is ideal for me!
Do you collect anything?
Cameras
