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Md Shafiqur Rahman
Name:
Md Shafiqur Rahman
Job Title:
Alzheimer’s Society Research Fellow
Place of work / study:
University of Cambridge
Area of Research:
I am studying the biological basis of cognition as a lens to better understand the early stages of dementia.
How is your work funded:
Alzheimer’s Society
Tell us a little about yourself:
I was born and raised in Bangladesh. After earning my bachelor’s degree in Speech and Language Therapy, I moved to Stockholm, Sweden, to pursue a master’s degree in Public Health Epidemiology at the Karolinska Institute, followed by a PhD in Genetic Epidemiology at King’s College London, UK. I was awarded the prestigious Swedish Institute Study Scholarship and the Marie Curie Early-Stage Researcher Fellowship for my master’s and PhD studies, respectively. Currently, I work as a Senior Research Associate at the University of Cambridge with a fellowship from the Alzheimer’s Society, investigating how biological, health, and lifestyle factors influence memory and thinking over time in cognitively healthy individuals. My previous research on age-related variability in memory and thinking in healthy populations has been featured in several national and international news outlets. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my toddler daughter, teaching her practical life skills such as cycling.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself:
English is my second language. I used to give my writing to my wife to review, and she would joke that I write with my legs. Thankfully, ChatGPT has saved me from that particular humiliation!
Why did you choose to work in dementia:
Early in my career, as an intern speech and language therapist, I experienced firsthand the challenges of working with individuals with dementia and Parkinson’s, particularly in helping them maintain and maximize their communication abilities. When I came across a postdoctoral position focused on the early identification of Alzheimer’s disease, I didn’t hesitate to apply. During that first postdoc, my interest in the field deepened, as I saw the immense potential to make a meaningful impact, contributing to research that could help millions of people worldwide in the near future.
What single piece of of advice would you give to an early career researcher?
Ideas take time to shape. Don’t hesitate to discuss them with colleagues and seek their input on how to improve them.
What book are you reading right now? Would you recommend it?
Nothing right now
Favourite film of all time?
Favourite ways to unplug and unwind?
Not sure
Alzheimer's Society
Rebecca Williams
