Brain function has always fascinated me because it’s very complicated. It’s not black and white, and so many things contribute to how you think and how you behave.

That interconnection means mental health ties into your physical health, and vice versa.

Because I’ve always been an analytical person, I like the challenge of figuring out those connections. Especially when the payoff is a better quality of life.

As we all know, Alzheimer’s disease can affect quality of life so dramatically. It’s important to do the research so we can alleviate the burden on those with the disease and on their families. That really is my ultimate goal.

As a PhD student, my focus right now is on blood sampling and neuropsychological testing, but I also have opportunities to go into neuroimaging and genetic testing. I think that will give me a fuller picture of the mechanisms in the brain.

And it’s only in getting the full picture that we can develop interventions that make a difference in people’s lives.

I have to say, I think I’ve found my niche. There is nothing I’d rather be doing.

Read more about Mahwesh Saleem.

Mahwesh Saleem, Alzheimer Society Research Program