Neuroscience Research Australia / University of New South Wales
Research Field: Cognitive Neuroscience

Dr Muireann Irish is cognitive neuroscientist interested in how we remember the past and imagine the future. The relative frequency and ease with which we engage in those forms of thought belies their incredible complexity. Muireann’s research explores how memory and imagination are disrupted in neurodegenerative disorder, such as Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia.

Using experimental tasks and neuroimaging methods, Muireann has revealed how shrinkage of key structures in frontal, temporal and parietal regions of the brain alters the capacity for memory and imagination. Her ultimate goal is to contribute towards remediation of memory and imagination difficulties in dementia to improve the quality of life of patients.

Given her research focus Muireann has made a concerted effort to engage with community-based support organisations for people living with dementia, via awareness campaigns, articles, podcasts, print and radio.