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Dr Brian Stollery

Functional changes in cognition

My research covers the areas of occupational health, human aging, cognitive psychology, functional change and the moderating impact of individual differences.

My occupational research concerns the acquired cognitive changes that accompany an individual's exposure to suspected neurotoxins (e.g., lead, aluminium, organic solvents, pesticides) while my aging research covers the changes associated with normal human aging. This includes cognitive training of the elderly where the main emphasis is on the rates of learning, asymptotes of learning, transfer of training and rates of forgetting of cognitive skills. My current research concerns the role of glucose in the promotion of efficient cognitive function, especially within the area of memory.

Other work examines metacognitive changes in relation to stress and aging in working populations. I have recently expanded my research to include post-operative recovery from anaesthesia, faking of neurotoxic deficits, schizotypy and attention, clinical work with depression and bulimia, psychotropic medicine and human errors.

Recent and current grants

  • 2001 – 2002: Development of the Blackboard system for undergraduate training in research methods. Joint applicant with Dr. Jan Noyes (Psychology).
  • 2001 – 2002: Development of web-based packages for training postgraduates. Joint applicant with Dr. Jan Noyes (Psychology).
  • 2000 – 2001: The role of traumatic memories in recovery from Bulimia. Joint applicant with Dr. Bill Jerrom (Barrow Hospital)
  • 1997 – 2000: Non-ionisation radiation risk perception. Joint applicant with Prof. Alan Preece (Oncology) and Prof. Andy Smith (Psychology).

Research keywords

  • Acetylcholine
  • Dopamine
  • GABA

Diseases related to this field of research

  • Normal aging
  • Neurotoxic influences
  • Depression
  • Impaired glucose regulation

Processes and functions relevant to this work

  • Memory
  • Attention
  • Verbal and Spatial Skills
  • Mood

Collaborations

  • Professor Tim Perfect (University of Plymouth)
  • Professor Pat Rabbitt (University of Manchester)
  • Dr Bill Jerrom (Barrow Hospital)
  • Dr Leigh Riby (Glasgow Calendonian University)
  • Dr Ritva Akila (Finnish Institute of Occupational Health)