The 2023 Doctoral Anne Martin-Matthews Prize of Excellence in Research on Aging

Each year, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research-Institute of Aging (CIHR-IA) recognizes the highest ranked doctoral trainee in the field of aging from the CIHR open doctoral competition as the CIHR-IA Anne Martin-Matthews Prize of Excellence in Research on Aging recipient.

Recipient

Olivier Fortier-Lebel, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières

Olivier is a PhD student in neuropsychology at the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières. He previously obtained his undergraduate degree in psychology from the Université de Montréal, and also completed a graduate microprogram in neuroscience at the same institution. In addition to his clinical training, Olivier is interested in studying olfactory capacities as an early marker of Alzheimer's disease. For his research, he utilizes an EEG (electroencephalogram) and an olfactometer, a device designed for precise odor diffusion, to measure olfactory evoked potentials.

Subjective cognitive decline represents a preclinical phase of Alzheimer's disease during which individuals report cognitive complaints that cannot be objectively confirmed through cognitive assessments. However, despite its sensitivity as a marker of Alzheimer's disease development, subjective cognitive decline lacks specificity. To enhance its specificity, one potential approach would be to combine it with other early markers of Alzheimer's disease. Olfaction emerges as an ideal candidate to fulfill this role. Indeed, olfactory alterations have been observed in Alzheimer's disease, and more recently, similar changes have been noted in the early stages of the disease. Surprisingly, none of the current studies have explored the underlying neurophysiological changes responsible for these olfactory disruptions, despite the identification of abnormal brain activity patterns associated with the olfactory system in individuals with Alzheimer's disease. The objective of this project is to assess the olfactory abilities of individuals experiencing subjective cognitive decline. We hypothesize that neurodegeneration, which begins in the early preclinical stages of Alzheimer's disease, disrupts the olfactory system. This research will pave the way for the development of innovative tools for the early detection of Alzheimer's disease, potentially enabling early interventions before the onset of cognitive symptoms.

Date modified:

2023-10-27