Ping-hsiu Lin | Meet Our Researcher Series

Ping-Hsiu Lin is a PhD student at CHeBA developing an innovative computerised assessment to measure how well older adults manage everyday life. With a background in psychology and a deep passion for brain health, Ping is working to give clinicians and researchers a clearer, more objective picture of how people perform essential daily activities like cooking, paying bills and self-care. Ping’s goal is to make this tool widely accessible for use by GPs and specialists, enabling earlier detection of functional decline and improving quality of life for people living with dementia and their families.

How did you first get into research?

I think it goes back to when I was studying for my bachelor’s degree in Taiwan. At that time, we were required to complete a research project, similar to an Honours year in Australia. I was very interested in ageing and brain health, so I chose to focus my project on cognitive training in older adults living in the community. I designed a small study - a “brain activity” program, where I invited several older men to participate. We used the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) - a brief cognitive assessment widely used in both research and clinical settings - to measure their cognitive ability at baseline and again after four weeks to see if there was any improvement. 

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

My interest in dementia began at a young age. My mum worked in a pharmaceutical company and often attended dementia support groups and I would sometimes tag along. I still remember hearing the word “dementia” for the first time and watching families share their stories. Seeing the pain of loved ones being forgotten left a deep impression on me. Even as a child, I wanted to understand how something so powerful could change a person and their relationships. That early experience sparked a curiosity about the brain and ultimately led me to study psychology for my bachelor’s degree and focus my research on cognitive ageing and functional ability in older adults. 

Do you have any personal interests or activities which are protective behaviours against cognitive decline?

Exercise has always been an important part of life, and basketball in particular has played a big role. When I first moved to Australia, I didn’t know many people, but joining a basketball team helped me make friends and feel connected. I think physical activity and social engagement are two of the most important ways to support brain health, and basketball gives me both. Beyond the cognitive benefits, it’s fun, energising, and a great way to maintain both mental and physical wellbeing.

What are you currently researching?

My PhD project focuses on developing a new computerised, performance-based assessment to measure daily functioning. Daily functioning covers the tasks we do every day, from simple activities like brushing our teeth or washing dishes, to more complex tasks such as managing finances, paying bills and cooking. Traditional assessments often rely on self-reported or caregiver-reported questionnaires, which can sometimes be biased by personality or cognitive ability. My aim is to create a more objective, online tool that people can complete at home before visiting their GP or specialist. The assessment is scored automatically, so clinicians don’t need to manually score it - and while it’s not timed - we do use completion time as one measure of task difficulty. Ultimately, this tool could provide a more accurate and accessible way to understand daily functioning in older adults.

Why is your research important?

By developing a new, objective tool to measure daily functioning, I hope to give clinicians and researchers a clearer picture of what people can truly do in their day-to-day lives. With better understanding comes earlier support, more personalised interventions, and ultimately a better quality of life for those living with dementia and the people who love and care for them.

What do you love about working for CHeBA?

I really enjoy working at CHeBA because it’s such a supportive and friendly research environment. As a PhD student, I feel comfortable asking questions, testing new ideas, and even making mistakes - all of which are treated as part of the learning process. My supervisors are always encouraging and provide practical, thoughtful feedback that helps me grow as a researcher. That sense of openness and support makes CHeBA a great place to learn, collaborate, and develop confidence in pursuing new ideas.

What is the ultimate hope you have for your research?

My ultimate hope is that my research will make a tangible difference in the lives of people living with dementia and those who care for them. While finding a cure for dementia remains a major challenge for the global research community, there is so much we can do right now to improve daily life and ease the burden on families. By creating a more sensitive and accessible tool to measure everyday functioning, I hope to help detect difficulties earlier, support timely intervention, and enable people to maintain their independence for longer. In the future, I want this tool to become a practical resource used by GPs and specialists across the community – translating research into real-world impact that preserves dignity, autonomy and quality of life for those affected by dementia.

Ping-Hsiu Lin is a PhD student at CHeBA, UNSW Sydney whose research focuses on developing and validating a computerised assessment of daily functioning in older adults at risk of dementia. With Master’s degrees in Brain and Mind Sciences and Philosophy (Psychology) from the University of Sydney, Ping combines his background in psychology and data analysis to improve early detection of cognitive decline and enhance quality of life for older people.