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Dr Alison Canty
Name:
Dr Alison Canty
Job title:
Associate Professor, & Atlantic Fellow for Equity in Brain Health
Place of work / study:
Global Brain Health Institute, Trinity College Dublin / Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, University of Tasmania
Area of Research:
Neuroplasticity in ageing and neurodegenerative disease
How is your work funded?
Global Brain Health Institute.
Tell us a little about yourself:
I’m an Australian, usually living in Hobart Tasmania, at the bottom of the world, gazing up wondering what I can do to make it a better place. I love to travel and connect with others, but spend most of my time with my young family, exploring the wilderness, beaches, insects, sticks and muddy puddles.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself:
When I was younger I had very long hair, with electric blue highlights.
Why did you choose to work in dementia?
As a clinical psychologist, I noticed that efforts to address child and adolescent mental health were increasing in India, which is great, but the focus on mental well-being of older adults was limited and we have an aging population. Since increasing age is the biggest non-modifiable risk factor for dementia, we are all at risk and I want to make a difference whilst I can!
What single piece of advice would you give to an early career researcher?
Make sure your heart is in it – to be successful and competitive for jobs and funding you have to be genuinely curious about your field, and enjoy the thrill of the chase.
What book are you reading right now? Would you recommend it?
Scarcity – the true cost of not having enough, by Sendhil Mullainathan and Eldar Shafir. I’m only part way through – so far so good!
Motor Neurone Disease Association
