Cognitive decline and dementia have become issues of global importance, and poor oral health is a potential risk factor for cognitive decline and dementia associated diseases, as evidenced by many studies over the past decade. It is suggested that microorganisms involved in initiating and/or promoting inflammation pathways may play a role both in oral diseases (e.g. periodontitis) and Alzheimer’s disease. Therefore, to answer the research question: “Can oral pathogen be a cause of cognitive decline and dementia associated diseases?”, novel approach is needed to limit confounding issues, avoid reverse causation, and reduce research cost. Mendelian randomization is the most appropriate approach to tackle the problem.
Aims & Objectives:
Aim: to investigate the causal relationship between oral health and cognitive outcomes through a Mendelian randomisation (MR) approach in the ageing population.
Objectives:
- Systematic review on the associations between oral health and cognitive outcomes including dementia, and review genome-wide association studies of oral health
- Quantify the association between oral health and cognitive outcomes using traditional regression models and mendelian randomization analyses.
- Develop research and personal skills of PhD student with a personal development plan.
Eligibility:
You should hold a first degree equivalent to at least a UK upper second class honours degree in a relevant subject. This project would suit a student with a background in medicine, dentistry or STEM subject (including maths and statistics), who are interested in epidemiology and applied health research.
Candidates whose first language is not English must provide evidence that their English language is sufficient to meet the specific demands of their study. The Faculty of Medicine and Health minimum requirements are:
- British Council IELTS - score of 6.5 overall, with no element less than 6.0
- TOEFL iBT - overall score of 92 with the listening and reading element no less than 21, writing element no less than 22 and the speaking element no less than 23.
How to apply:
To apply for this scholarship applicants should complete an online Faculty Scholarship Application form and send this alongside a full academic CV, degree certificates and transcripts (or marks so far if still studying) to the Faculty Graduate School [Email Address Removed]
We also require 2 academic references to support your application. Please ask your referees to complete the online Scholarship Reference form on your behalf and send directly to [Email Address Removed] by no later than Friday 4 June 2021.
If you have already applied for other scholarships using the Faculty Scholarship Application form you do not need to complete this form again. Instead you should email [Email Address Removed] to inform us you would like to be considered for this scholarship project.
Any queries regarding the application process should be directed to [Email Address Removed]
Closing date for this scholarship is Friday 4 June 2021.
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