Biology and Psychology students meet British Neuroscientist Dr Joseph Jebelli

Millfield Biology and Psychology students were lucky enough to attend a lecture led by Dr Joseph Jebelli, British neuroscientist and acclaimed author. Using personal anecdotes and research from his recent book ‘In Pursuit of Memory’, Jebelli took the students on an incredible journey through ground-breaking historical breakthroughs in neuroscience and the untold biography of Alzheimer’s disease.

The students learnt about how plaques and tangles of sticky proteins within neuronal networks, along with the body’s own immune response can lead to large-scale cell death and ultimately the dramatic reduction of brain mass that causes the memory loss characteristic of dementia. In addition to hearing about the cell-level impact of the disease, they learnt about the historical roots of neuroscience that have helped the field grow into the multifaceted and cutting-edge research of today; along with learning about the tireless work of pioneering scientific minds both past and present. From Dr Alzheimer himself and the first recorded case of the illness, to contemporary advances in neuroscience and brave carriers of high risk genes committed to helping push forward scientific understanding, the students were given hope for the possibilities of finding clues and even cures for the global pandemic robbing so many people of the memories, knowledge and experiences that shape who they are.

Along with being a fascinating and deeply informative event for the students and visitors alike to learn about the pertinence of scientific research and the growing impact of Alzheimer’s disease, Jebelli’s talk inspired the students to think towards the future. They had our eyes opened to the ways that modern science can contribute to the eradication life-threatening diseases and how they should all actively seek answers and greater understanding if we are to help combat threatening contemporary issues and build a healthy and positive future for everyone.