Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Cambridge

Anna Jane Dreyer is a neuropsychologist interested in the role of social determinants in cognitive impairment and dementia and how to measure and diagnose cognitive impairment fairly and accurately in diverse and socioeconomically disadvantaged settings. Her work aims to advocate for health equity through understanding the modifiable risk factors for dementia associated with socioeconomic inequalities.

I am a clinical research fellow in the Rowe group. I am undertaking a PhD in the role of noradrenaline in neurodegenerative disease, using novel imaging techniques with MRI and PET. I am involved in the currently enrolling randomised control trial NORAPS, using atomoxetine in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP).

Building on 20 years of experience as a cognitive neuroscientist, I have transitioned to the role of clinical research coordinator and project manager at the Cambridge Centre for Frontotemporal Dementia and Related Disorders. In my current role, I handle essential 'behind-the-scenes' tasks—from managing complex contracts and HR matters to overseeing finances and projects—enabling our team to focus entirely on research. I bridge the gap by translating lab needs into university administrative language, ensuring our research runs smoothly.

I am a clinically certified speech-language pathologist. My research focuses on determining ways to better understand the cognitive and neural mechanisms underlying semantic cognition in patients diagnosed with frontotemporal lobar degeneration and its subtypes, such as primary progressive aphasia, and Alzheimer's disease.