Investigating brain blood flow control in pre- and post-menopausal women

This project investigates how menopause influences brain function by comparing blood flow in pre- and post-menopausal women. Estrogen plays a crucial role in protecting the vascular system; however, as women transition through menopause and estrogen levels decline, the risk of diseases such as stroke and vascular dementia increases significantly. I will conduct research at Bangor University, utilizing advanced neuroimaging techniques, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to measure brain blood flow and vascular function in both pre- and post-menopausal women. By combining MRI with established ultrasonography techniques, this study will provide a more comprehensive understanding of how menopause affects brain blood flow control. At Bangor University, I will receive training in gold-standard intracranial imaging methods from Dr. Geoff Coombs, expanding my skill set and enhancing my ability to investigate brain health with greater precision. This work will provide an opportunity to integrate expertise from McMaster University, where I have been studying sex and menstrual cycle phase differences in brain blood flow control using non-invasive ultrasound techniques with Dr. Baraa Al-Khazraji. By combining the strengths of from institutions, this research will foster international collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the development of new interdisciplinary approaches to studying women’s brain health.

Faculty Supervisor:

Baraa Al-Khazraji

Student:

Partner:

Bangor University

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Education

University:

McMaster University

Program: