Dr Ashleigh Vella | Meet Our Researcher Series

Ashleigh Vella’s research traverses several key projects at CHeBA, with her primary work within the COSMIC consortium, where she is examining dementia incidence rates across various regions. A major aspect of her research involves harmonising dementia studies to provide a clearer understanding of global dementia trends. She is also investigating modifiable risk factors for dementia in low-income countries, using machine learning techniques to predict cognitive decline and dementia. 

How did you first get into research?

I have always been curious about how neurological disorders affect and alter the brain. Originally, I thought I would be a clinical psychologist, however, a first year Neuroscience course intensified my curiosity for understanding the brain and sparked a passion for research. Determined to turn this passion into a career, I reached out to my university lecturer, who encouraged me to apply for a Summer Research Internship. I was fortunate enough to be awarded the competitive undergraduate position over three years from 2016 to 2018. Those summers marked the beginning of a new chapter in my career, and after completing my PhD in experimental psychology, I applied for a position at CHeBA. 

The prospect of working on projects that had a real-world impact, coupled with the chance to use cutting-edge data, excited me. I was particularly drawn to the idea of working with large, international datasets, especially those from low- and middle-income countries. I saw an opportunity to contribute to a global understanding of brain health.

Did you experience a ‘defining moment’ which led you to this field?

There wasn't a single, defining moment that led me to this field—it was more of a journey following my evolving passion. In my experimental PhD research, I worked on a project focused on decision-making in elderly people, where I had the chance to investigate the underlying decisional mechanisms in a recognition memory test. That experience was both fascinating and insightful, and it inspired an interest in transitioning to research focused on older adult populations. I feel it has been a blend of passion and the right opportunities that have guided me to where I am today.

Given my job, I’m constantly reading and learning, which keeps my brain engaged and challenged. I also focus on supporting my grandparents and parents as they age, encouraging healthy habits and staying involved in their lives. For example, my parents - who are enjoying their "empty nester" life - have planned an overseas trip and I have suggested they learn the local language to boost their brain health. I regularly speak to my Grandparents and support them as they become more active in their retirement community. I help them find small ways to enhance their brain health, whether through physical activity or mental stimulation. Despite both my parents and grandparents living in Queensland, today’s technology makes it easy for me to stay connected and maintain close family bonds.

What are you currently researching?

I’m currently involved in several projects, with my main focus being the COSMIC consortium, where I am examining the incidence rates of dementia across various world regions. One of my key projects involves harmonising dementia data, from approximately 45 COSMIC studies, with the goal of comparing global dementia incidence rates and providing up-to-date cross-national epidemiological estimates. I have currently completed the analysis of 24 datasets and am in the process of writing up a paper on the findings. Additionally, I am working on another major project investigating modifiable risk factors for dementia in low- and middle income countries, using machine learning to predict cognitive decline and dementia.

Why is your research important?

Comparing dementia rates across low- and middle-income countries is especially important, given most people living with dementia reside in these regions. Despite this, research in these areas has been minimal and while there has been some progress, the field remains underfunded and underexplored. To make meaningful progress, we need to better understand the modifiable risk factors for dementia, which can differ significantly across countries. This knowledge is vital for policymakers, especially as the global population ages and dementia rates continue to rise. Accurate data on dementia incidence will allow for better predictions and informed decisions for future planning.

Although my research focuses on global and country-level impacts rather than individual interventions, it directly informs policymaking. One of my key projects centres on dementia incidence rates, which are crucial for communicating the risks associated with the disease and is essential for understanding the true dynamics of the disease. Since we do not yet have a cure, effective risk management and future prevention strategies are fundamental and depend on having accurate incidence data.

What do you love about working for CHeBA?

What I love most about working at CHeBA is the people. They’re incredibly friendly, and the environment is so supportive, making it a truly great place to work. The opportunity for growth and the emphasis on support are two aspects I really value. At CHeBA, we celebrate everyone’s achievements, which creates a team-oriented atmosphere. There’s a strong sense of collaboration that permeates everything we do, and this is reinforced by the leadership of Perminder and Henry, who set a great example. They’ve cultivated a culture where everyone contributes their unique expertise, which not only fosters a sense of leadership but also makes us all feel like experts in our respective fields

What is the ultimate hope you have for your research?

Accurate projections of future dementia incidence and burden are crucial for shaping healthcare policies that can better prepare for and address the needs of affected populations. This is crucial, particularly as the global population ages and the prevalence of dementia continues to rise. To this end, my research with CHeBA’s COSMIC consortium strives to bridge gaps and inequality in data, by including epidemiology estimates of typically underrepresented low- and middle-income countries. Additionally, I am proud to have contributed to the upcoming Global Burden of Disease 2025 estimates, which will be released soon. I envision a future where CHeBA could become the central hub for dementia incidence estimates, working in collaboration with the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) to provide more comprehensive, country-specific, and cross-national insights. 

In addition to improving dementia epidemiology estimates, my research also focuses on identifying modifiable risk factors that can reduce the onset of dementia. By understanding lifestyle habits, environmental exposures, and healthcare access, we can work toward preventative strategies that lessen the societal and individual impact of dementia. I hope my research helps to improve the understanding of the global dementia landscape, providing the insight needed to inform decision makers on how to reduce the burden of dementia.