A dietary intervention study using coconut oil to evaluate the cognitive effects of ketone metabolism in older adults with MCI

This opportunity is aimed at individuals wishing to pursue a PhD exploring new insights on ageing and neurogeneration. The project focusses on diet, metabolic function and fundamental neurodegenerative processes in Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and early stage dementia. The student will work with academic and clinical colleagues across BU.

Currently 850,000 people live with dementia in the UK. With an ageing population, the numbers of people with dementia is forecast to be over 1 million by 2025, and over 2 million by 2051. Thus there is a need to understand how we can prevent and better support people living with the condition. Dietary approaches to Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) prevention involving low risk, inexpensive interventions are attracting great attention to ameliorate deficits concomitant with ageing and neurodegeneration. Coconut oil is rich in medium –chain fatty acids (MCFA). MCFA are unique in that they are easily absorbed by the liver and can be converted to ketones (metabolised differently to Long Chain Fatty Acids). Ketone bodies are an important alternative energy source in the brain and in AD where there is glucose hypometabolism in the early stages, metabolism of ketone bodies is unaltered. Thus ketone body production may be beneficial to people developing or already with memory impairment as in AD.

This PhD studentship will evaluate the potential cognitive changes as a result of ketone metabolism in older adults with MCI and increased neurogeneration following dietary intervention of coconut oil.
This is an exciting opportunity and will enable an aspiring individual to undertake a dietary intervention study in older people working with a range of providers in the community.

You will have access to a wide range of resources to support the project. You will receive formal training in research methodologies relevant to the project, training on administering and scoring various neuropsychological measures (for research), dietary intervention methods, and statistical and analytical techniques through attendance at Postgraduate training opportunities and linked with the university-wide Ageing and Dementia Rseearch Centre and the Bournemouth University Clinical Research Unit (BUCRU) linked with personal development facilitated by an academic supervisory team. You will be part of a large body of doctoral students in the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, with access to Postgraduate lectures and other learning opportunities to enhance your learning experience.

How to apply: Applications are made via our website using the Apply Online button below. If you have an enquiry about this project please contact us via the Email NOW button below, however your application will only be processed once you have submitted an application form as opposed to emailing your CV to us.

Candidates for funded PhD studentship must demonstrate outstanding qualities and be motivated to complete a PhD in 3 years.
Fully-funded studentship candidates must demonstrate outstanding academic potential with preferably a 1st class honours degree and/or a Master’s degree with distinction or equivalent Grade Point Average. An IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 minimum (with a minimum 5.5 in each component) is essential for candidates for whom English is not their first language.
In addition to satisfying basic entry criteria, BU will look closely at the qualities, skills and background of each candidate and what they can bring to their chosen research project in order to ensure successful completion.