Dr Yen Ying Lim is the architect of the Healthy Brain Project, an initiative of the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health.
The Healthy Brain Project is studying the lifestyle and genetics of 6000 Australians to determine what factors protect our brains from Alzheimer’s and other dementias, and what might predispose us towards disease.
The Tall Poppy awards recognise the achievements of Australia’s outstanding young scientific researchers and communicators.
Dr Lim said,
“I’m so honoured to have my research and communication efforts recognised and rewarded by the Tall Poppy committee. Having experienced first-hand the pain and sadness that goes with caring for, and losing, someone with dementia, it means a lot to think that others believe our work is worthy of being acknowledged in this way.”
The team has shown in another large-scale Australian Alzheimer’s study that variations in two genes, ApoE and BDNF, influence the rate of pre-symptomatic Alzheimer’s progression in otherwise healthy people who eventually go on to develop the disease.
In a separate study based on an ongoing US cohort study, the team also recently showed that keeping midlife vascular health is a crucial factor in preventing brain shinkage in later years.
Yen joins the other state award winners (‘Tall Poppies’) in ongoing education and community outreach programs. They become role models to inspire school students and the broader community about the possibilities of science.
Congratulations again Yen!
