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Dr Sarah-Naomi James
Name:
Dr Sarah-Naomi James
Job title:
Senior Research Fellow and Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Research Leader
Place of work / study:
University College London
Area of Research:
Risk and preventative factors of brain health; epidemiology; life course; women’s health; cognitive reserve; brain imaging; cohort studies; causal inference.
How is your work funded?
Alzheimer’s Society (past: Alzheimer’s Research UK, MRC)
Tell us a little about yourself:
I am an neuroepidemiologist, my research interests centre on population approaches to understanding cognitive ageing and dementia risk across the life course. I am particularly interested in women’s health, cardiovascular health and health inequalities, using longitudinal cohort studies and causal inference methods to identify modifiable risk factors and opportunities for prevention. I have two young children and love music, reading and long walks.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself:
I love to do public engagement work and have led lots of initiatives to share our work at festivals up and down the country, including creating a mini golf course, themed around life course influences on health.
Why did you choose to work in dementia?
I have always been interested in how the brain works, but my interest became much more personal after seeing my relatives live with dementia. I was initially hesitant about getting involved in dementia research as I thought it may feel discouraging, with progress seeming difficult to achieve. However, I quickly came to see a different side of it – a field that that was supportive, collaborative, and hopeful. It is inspiring to see so many talented researchers working together to build momentum in our understanding of these diseases and drive progress towards new treatments. These inspiring research experiences, alongside my personal motivation, fuel my daily determination to contribute to advances in dementia research that will make meaningful differences for patients and their families.
What single piece of advice would you give to an early career researcher?
Be authentic, stay curious and don’t be afraid to say “I don’t know” Being open to new ideas, questions and collaborations often leads to the most rewarding opportunities.
What book are you reading right now? Would you recommend it?
The Classic Adventures of Paddington Bear (with my son!)
Favourite film of all time?
The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill But Came Down a Mountain. As a Welsh person, I may be slightly biased, but I’ve always loved its humour, sense of community and beautiful Welsh scenery.
Favourite ways to unplug and unwind?
Hanging out with my young children – they’re a constant reminder to see the world with curiosity, fun and enthusiasm.
What’s the best decision you ever made?
To always keep trying, despite setbacks
Favourite vacation spot?
Mountains and sea
Adam Smith
Alzheimer's Society
