Our Life Course theme is focuses on developing technologies which support patients who suffer from brain and spine injury at the extremities of age. Brain development at the beginning of life and brain degeneration at the end of life are areas where specialised care is required. Understanding the vulnerabilities at the extremes of age will allow for better care in both young and old people.
Challenges associated with infant brain development include being born prematurely and genetic disorders, which can both lead to acquired brain injury. Hospitalisation can mean less interactions with parents, increasing long-term effects.
Elderly populations are more a risk to brain injury from falls, brain bleeds, strokes and spinal problems leading to reduced mobility. This means there is great need for integration of rehabilitation processes with social care. Providing more support for care within communities helps support independence in aging populations and keeps the mind and body active and healthy for longer.
The Life Course Theme is lead by Professor Topun Austin, a Consultant Neonatologist in Cambridge and Honorary Professor of Neurophotonics at University College London, he is investigating the role of sleep and early mother-infant interactions on brain development, consciousness and cognition.
It is Co-Lead by Dr Krystyna Walton, a Consultant in Neurorehabilitation at Salford Royal Foundation Trust, clinical director of the Northern Care Alliance, she has extensive experience of developing rehabilitation services spanning inpatient and community care, and supporting the adoption of proven innovations within clinical practice.
