Dr. Claire Lancaster
Lecturer
Areas of Expertise
- Alzheimer's Disease
- Neuropsychology
- Digital methods
Other Positions
Alzheimer's Research UK – Co-ordinator of South Coast Network
Biography
Dr Claire Lancaster is a lecturer in the Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Brighton & Sussex Medical School. She has a background in Experimental Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience, previously studying at the University of Bristol (BSc), University College London (MSc), and the University of Sussex (PhD).
She recently completed an independent Alzheimer's Society fellowship, exploring new avenues to mitigate risk in individuals genetically predisposed to dementia. Previously she worked at the University of Oxford Big Data Institute, designing and validating digital biomarkers of early dementia.
Research
Claire's research investigates the impact of carrying a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's Disease - the APOE e4 gene variant, on cognition, brain function and structure across the lifespan, and whether we can mitigate the detrimental effects of this gene pharmacologically. In addition, Claire is interested in how our genes interact with wider health-related (e.g., menopause) and lifestyle factors to influence trajectories of brain ageing.
She uses methods including digital and in-person cognitive assessments, neuroimaging and drug interventions in her work. Claire has experience completing research with clinical and healthy populations, and collaborates regularly with NHS healthcare providers, charity organisations and industry (pharmaceutical, technology providers).
Teaching
Claire primarily teaches on the topics of Ageing and Dementia, including the biology of neurodegenerative disease, the cognitive and behavioural symptoms. She currently supervises PhD projects on how speech-based assessments can aid early dementia diagnosis and prognosis, plus the relationship between menopause, APOE and cognition.
If you're interested in working with Claire on a project relating to Ageing and Dementia, please get in touch.
Selected Publications
- Lancaster, C., Tabet, N., & Rusted, J. (2017). The elusive nature of APOE ε4 in mid-adulthood: Understanding the cognitive profile. Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society, 23(3), 239-253.
- Lancaster, C., Koychev, I., Blane, J., Chinner, A., Chatham, C., Taylor, K., & Hinds, C. (2020). Gallery Game: Smartphone-based assessment of long-term memory in adults at risk of Alzheimer's disease. Journal of clinical and experimental neuropsychology, 42(4), 329-343.
- Lancaster, C., Tabet, N., & Rusted, J. (2016). The APOE paradox: do attentional control differences in mid-adulthood reflect risk of late-life cognitive decline. Neurobiology of aging, 48, 114-121.
- Lyall, D. M., Kormilitzin, A., Lancaster, C., Sousa, J., Petermann‐Rocha, F., Buckley, C., ... & Ranson, J. M. (2023). Artificial intelligence for dementia—Applied models and digital health. Alzheimer's & Dementia.