In the Ageing Memory Project, we want to better understand the underlying causes of cognitive impairment in older adults. We examine cognitive performance in a range of domains, including memory, attention and spatial navigation, using neuropsychological tasks, augmented reality games and neurophysiological assessments.

Binge-drinking has deleterious effects on behaviour and brain, increases impulsivity and risky decision-making, and disrupts attentional abilities. We are interested in further understanding the effects of different patterns alcohol use, compared to non-use. Specifically, we aim to identify brain and behavioral processes associated with specific drinking patterns (phenotypes).

We study the neuropsychological, psychological and familial characteristics of ADHD to understand the disorder better in adolescents and adults. Our aim is to compare the cognitive and sensory characteristics of adults with ADHD relative to their non-ADHD siblings. We also want to investigate the impact of anxiety on ADHD, and explore how it interacts with the ADHD symptoms like inattention and impulsivity.

We are interested in understanding why some people are able to successfully cease nicotine use. In particular, we want to know 1) what brain changes occur in response to the state of abstinence and 2) if certain people are more responsive to certain types of intervention.

Cannabis use has been connected to impairment to memory and inhibition, as well as an increase in impulsive behaviours. We are looking at the difference between cannabis users and non-users in order to identify behavioural patterns that may be associated with the drug’s use, and thus identify individuals that may be at risk of cannabis dependence or cannabis abuse.