Biography
Dr Helen Macpherson is leading a program of dementia prevention research at Deakin University. Her work encompasses the identification and modification of health and lifestyle determinants of dementia risk, assessment of neurocognitive ageing and early detection of dementia and cognitive decline. She has received > $4 million funding to support this research. Dr Macpherson has expertise in the design and conduct of randomised controlled trials. She also has experience working with large population-based data sets. She is currently supervising several PhD students using various neuroimaging techniques to study age-related changes in cognition.
Drawing on her background in cognitive neuroscience and psychology, Dr Macpherson’s work is contributing to the important knowledge that dementia risk can be reduced by targeting health behaviours.
Biography summary
2022-2024 MRFF funded Senior Research Fellow, Deakin University
2016 -2022 NHMRC-ARC Dementia Research Development Fellowship. Deakin University
2015 -2016 Faculty of Health Research Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, Deakin University.
2012-2015 Industry funded Postdoctoral researcher. Swinburne University
Knowledge areas
Cognitive ageing and dementia; Cognitive neuroscience; Lifestyle interventions to combat cognitive decline; The impact of diet and exercise on brain health; Risk factors for dementia; Neuroimaging; Cognitive assement; Early detection of dementia
Conferences
Invited conference presentations (selected)
Macpherson, H. Cognitive Decline Emerging Treatments & Trends Forum at the 14th Annual National Dementia Conference, Melbourne Australia, June 21-22, 2023.
Macpherson, H. The association between the Mediterranean diet, dementia risk and depression. AAOCS Mediterranean Diet workshop, World Congress of Fats and Oils, Sydney. Australia, February 9, 2020,
Macpherson, H. Multi-domain dietary and exercise interventions to enhance cognition in older people. Lifestyle Medicine Conference. Sydney Australia, September 15- 17, 2017.
Macpherson, H., and Daly, R. 2016. A multi-faceted intervention to enhance cognition in older people at risk of cognitive decline. Rapid oral presentation at the Australian Dementia Forum, Brisbane, Australia, May 1-3, 2016.
Professional activities
Professional Memberships
2017- Current: Australasian Cognitive Neuroscience Society
2016- Current: NHMRC National Institute for Dementia Research (NNIDR)
2013- Current: Society for Neuroscience
Awards
2022 IPAN Stakeholder Engagement award to a Senior Researcher
2018 Co-authored paper Kennedy, G., Hardman, R. J., Macpherson, H., Scholey, A. B., & Pipingas, A. 2016. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. 55 (1), 1 -18 was awarded the 2018 Alzheimer Award for best paper published in Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease ($7500).
2016- Deakin University Vice Chancellors Early Career Research award
2016 - CASS Foundation travel award to attend 2016 Organisation of Human Brain Mapping meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, June 26-30
2016 - NHMRC-ARC Dementia Research Development Fellowship. A multi-faceted intervention to enhance cognition in older people at risk of cognitive decline.
2015- 2 year Health Research Postdoctoral research Fellowship, Deakin University, Melbourne Australia.
2013- Travel Fellowship to attend 2013 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) in Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Projects
Current projects in 2024
MRFF Dementia Ageing and Aged Care Mission. Implementing innovative technology promoting self-awareness of brain health and self-determination in obtaining a timely dementia diagnosis
Dementia Australian Research Foundation. Feasibility and pilot randomised controlled trial of a co-designed home-based personalised rehabilitative strategy program delivered via Voice-Controlled Intelligent Personal Assistants in older adults aged 60 years and older with mild cognitive impairment and/or dementia
NHMRC Boosting Dementia Research Grant. Mediterranean diet and exercise to reduce cognitive decline and dementia risks in independently living older Australians: the MedWalk randomised controlled trial
Deakin University Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition project seed funding. Investigating the impact of social isolation on mood, cognition and physical activity
Publications
L Arnoldy, S Gauci, A Lassemillante, J Verster, H Macpherson, A Minihane, A Scholey, A Pipingas, D White
(2024), pp. 1-58, British Journal of Nutrition, England, C1-1
P Giannos, K Prokopidis, D Church, B Kirk, P Morgan, M Lochlainn, H Macpherson, D Woods, T Ispoglou
(2023), Vol. 78, pp. 151-157, The journals of gerontology. Series A, Biological sciences and medical sciences, United States, C1
M Hockey, M Mohebbi, T Tolmunen, S Hantunen, T Tuomainen, H Macpherson, F Jacka, J Virtanen, T Rocks, A Ruusunen
(2023), Vol. 62, pp. 227-237, European Journal of Nutrition, C1
K Prokopidis, P Giannos, T Ispoglou, B Kirk, O Witard, Y Dionyssiotis, D Scott, H Macpherson, G Duque, M Isanejad
(2023), Vol. 45, pp. 1049-1058, GeroScience, Switzerland, C1
O Shannon, J Ranson, S Gregory, H Macpherson, C Milte, M Lentjes, A Mulligan, C McEvoy, A Griffiths, J Matu, T Hill, A Adamson, M Siervo, A Minihane, G Muniz-Tererra, C Ritchie, J Mathers, D Llewellyn, E Stevenson
(2023), Vol. 21, pp. 1-13, BMC Medicine, London, Eng., C1
L Arnoldy, S Gauci, L Young, W Marx, H Macpherson, A Pipingas, O Civier, D White
(2023), Vol. 87, pp. 1-30, Ageing Research Reviews, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, C1
Amy Loughman, Christina Adler, Helen Macpherson
(2023), Vol. 92, pp. 1111-1129, Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, Leiden, The Netherlands, C1
S Radavelli-Bagatini, H Macpherson, D Scott, R Daly, J Hodgson, S Laws, K Zhu, R Prince, J Lewis, M Sim
(2023), Vol. 14, pp. 1508-1519, Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle, London, Eng., C1
Differences in the gut microbiome across typical ageing and in Parkinson's disease
N Nuzum, E Szymlek-Gay, S Loke, S Dawson, W Teo, A Hendy, A Loughman, H Macpherson
(2023), Vol. 235, Neuropharmacology, C1
The Impact of Loneliness and Social Isolation on Cognitive Aging: A Narrative Review
J Guarnera, E Yuen, H Macpherson
(2023), Vol. 7, pp. 699-714, Journal of Alzheimer's Disease Reports, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, C1
Andrew Pipingas, Karen Murphy, Courtney Davis, Catherine Itsiopoulos, Michael Kingsley, Andrew Scholey, Helen Macpherson, Leonie Segal, Jeff Breckon, Anne-Marie Minihane, Denny Meyer, Edward Ogden, Kathryn Dyer, Emily Eversteyn, Roy Hardman, Kaylass Poorun, Keri Justice, Maher Hana, Jonathan Buckley, David White, Kade Davison, Jessie Clark, Ella Bracci, Greg Kennedy
(2023), Vol. 96, pp. 409-427, Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, C1
To the Gut Microbiome and Beyond: The Brain-First or Body-First Hypothesis in Parkinson's Disease
N Nuzum, A Loughman, E Szymlek-Gay, W Teo, A Hendy, H Macpherson
(2022), Vol. 13, Frontiers in Microbiology, C1
N Mundell, P Sethi, K Anstey, H Macpherson, D Dunstan, S Fraser, R Daly
(2022), Vol. 22, BMC Geriatrics, England, C1
M Hockey, E Hoare, M Mohebbi, T Tolmunen, S Hantunen, T Tuomainen, H Macpherson, H Staudacher, F Jacka, J Virtanen, T Rocks, A Ruusunen
(2022), Vol. 152, pp. 1916-1926, Journal of Nutrition, C1
N Mundell, P Owen, J Dalla Via, H MacPherson, R Daly, P Livingston, T Rantalainen, S Foulkes, J Millar, D Murphy, S Fraser
(2022), Vol. 12, BMJ Open, England, C1
H MacPherson, S Brownell, E Harris, R Duckham, S O'Connell, B Meyer, S Mirzaee, R Daly
(2022), Vol. 89, pp. 247-263, Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, Netherlands, C1
Mediterranean diet and its components: potential to optimize cognition across the lifespan
Sarah Gauci, Lauren Young, Helen Macpherson, David White, Sarah Benson, Andrew Pipingas, Andrew Scholey
(2021), pp. 293-306, Nutraceuticals in Brain Health and Beyond, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, B1
Sex-dependent association between selenium status and cognitive performance in older adults
B R. Cardoso, D Hare, H Macpherson
(2021), Vol. 60, pp. 1153-1159, European Journal of Nutrition, Germany, C1
W Teo, T Rantalainen, N Nuzum, L Valente, H Macpherson
(2021), Vol. 53, pp. 1324-1333, European Journal of Neuroscience, France, C1
R Erhardt, B Cardoso, B Meyer, S Brownell, S O’Connell, S Mirzaee, R Duckham, H Macpherson
(2021), Vol. 25, pp. 454-461, Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging, France, C1
The Central Mechanisms of Resistance Training and Its Effects on Cognitive Function
Z Chow, A Moreland, H Macpherson, W Teo
(2021), Vol. 51, pp. 2483-2506, Sports Medicine, New Zealand, C1
Associations of Diet Quality with Midlife Brain Volume: Findings from the UK Biobank Cohort Study
H Macpherson, S McNaughton, K Lamb, C Milte
(2021), Vol. 84, pp. 79-90, Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, C1
N Nuzum, W Teo, H Macpherson, A Loughman, E Szymlek-Gay, A Hendy
(2021), Vol. 54, pp. 6608-6617, European Journal of Neuroscience, Chichester, Eng., C1
N Mundell, P Owen, J Dalla Via, H Macpherson, R Daly, S Fraser
(2021), Vol. 11, BMJ Open, C1
N Nuzum, A Loughman, E Szymlek-Gay, A Hendy, W Teo, H Macpherson
(2020), Vol. 112, pp. 227-241, Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, C1
Greg Kennedy, Denny Meyer, Roy Hardman, Helen Macpherson, Andrew Scholey, Andrew Pipingas
(2020), Vol. 4, pp. 79-89, JOURNAL OF ALZHEIMERS DISEASE REPORTS, Netherlands, C1
T Rantalainen, W Teo, N Ridgers, N Nuzum, L Valente, H Macpherson
(2020), Vol. 80, pp. 20-25, Gait and posture, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, C1
R Hardman, D Meyer, G Kennedy, H MacPherson, A Scholey, A Pipingas
(2020), Vol. 4, Current Developments in Nutrition, United States, C1
J Reddan, H Macpherson, D White, A Scholey, A Pipingas
(2019), Vol. 32, pp. 79-98, Nutrition research reviews, Cambridge, Eng., C1
T Simpson, S Deleuil, N Echeverria, M Komanduri, H MacPherson, C Suo, S Gondalia, M Fard, A Pipingas, A Scholey, C Stough
(2019), Vol. 18, Nutrition Journal, England, C1
A Hendy, H Macpherson, N Nuzum, P Della Gatta, S Alexander, K Hoy, P Enticott, W Teo
(2019), Vol. 12, pp. 1086-1088, Brain Stimulation, United States, C1
H Macpherson, S Brownell, R Duckham, B Meyer, S Mirzaee, R Daly
(2019), Vol. 9, BMJ Open, England, C1
C Stough, M Nankivell, D Camfield, N Perry, A Pipingas, H Macpherson, K Wesnes, R Ou, D Hare, J De Haan, G Head, P Lansjoen, A Langsjoen, B Tan, M Pase, R King, R Rowsell, O Zwalf, Y Rathner, M Cooke, F Rosenfeldt
(2019), Vol. 11, Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, Switzerland, C1
R Hardman, D Meyer, G Kennedy, H Macpherson, A Scholey, A Pipingas
(2018), Vol. 37, pp. 2156-2165, Clinical nutrition, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, C1
J Reddan, D White, H Macpherson, A Scholey, A Pipingas
(2018), Vol. 10, Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, Switzerland, C1
S Catchlove, A Pipingas, M Hughes, H Macpherson
(2018), Vol. 19, BMC Neuroscience, England, C1
An investigation of cerebral oxygen utilization, blood flow and cognition in healthy aging
S Catchlove, H Macpherson, M Hughes, Y Chen, T Parrish, A Pipingas
(2018), Vol. 13, PLoS ONE, United States, C1
Greg Kennedy, Denny Meyer, Roy Hardman, Helen Macpherson, Andrew Scholey, Andrew Pipingas
(2018), Vol. 63, pp. 1307-1316, Journal of alzheimer’s disease, Amsterdam, Netherlands, C1
Regional Cerebrovascular Reactivity and Cognitive Performance in Healthy Aging
S Catchlove, T Parrish, Y Chen, H Macpherson, M Hughes, A Pipingas
(2018), Vol. 12, Journal of Experimental Neuroscience, United States, C1
W Teo, A Goodwill, A Hendy, M Muthalib, H Macpherson
(2018), Vol. 8, Brain and Behavior, United States, C1
G Kennedy, R Hardman, H MacPherson, A Scholey, A Pipingas
(2017), Vol. 55, pp. 1-18, Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, Netherlands, C1
Cognitive decline in prostate cancer patients undergoing ADT: A potential role for exercise training
N Mundell, R Daly, H Macpherson, S Fraser
(2017), Vol. 24, pp. R145-R155, Endocrine-Related Cancer, England, C1
A life-long approach to physical activity for brain health
H Macpherson, W Teo, L Schneider, A Smith
(2017), Vol. 9, Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, Switzerland, C1
Brain functional alterations in Type 2 Diabetes - A systematic review of fMRI studies
H Macpherson, M Formica, E Harris, R Daly
(2017), Vol. 47, pp. 34-46, Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology, United States, C1
E Harris, R Rowsell, A Pipingas, H Macpherson
(2016), Vol. 246, pp. 236-242, Atherosclerosis, Shannon, Ireland, C1
R Hardman, G Kennedy, H Macpherson, A Scholey, A Pipingas
(2016), Vol. 3, Frontiers in Nutrition, Switzerland, C1
H Macpherson, R Rowsell, K Cox, J Reddan, D Meyer, A Scholey, A Pipingas
(2016), Vol. 2016, Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, United States, C1
The influence of the Mediterranean diet on cognitive health
H Macpherson, J Lee, L Villalon, M Pase, A Pipingas, A Scholey
(2015), pp. 81-89, Mediterranean diet: an evidence-based approach, Cambridge, Mass., B1-1
H Macpherson, B Roberstson, S Sünram-Lea, C Stough, D Kennedy, A Scholey
(2015), Vol. 232, pp. 1135-1142, Psychopharmacology, Berlin, Germany, C1-1
J Lee, M Pase, A Pipingas, J Raubenheimer, M Thurgood, L Villalon, H Macpherson, A Gibbs, A Scholey
(2015), Vol. 31, pp. 647-652, Nutrition, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, C1-1
H Macpherson, R Rowsell, K Cox, A Scholey, A Pipingas
(2015), Vol. 37, pp. 1-10, Age, Dordrecht, The Netherlands, C1
R Hardman, G Kennedy, H Macpherson, A Scholey, A Pipingas
(2015), Vol. 14, pp. 1-10, Nutrition journal, London, Eng., C1
E Harris, H Macpherson, A Pipingas
(2015), Vol. 7, pp. 3796-3812, Nutrients, Basel, Switzerland, C1-1
L Massee, K Ried, M Pase, N Travica, J Yoganathan, A Scholey, H Macpherson, G Kennedy, A Sali, A Pipingas
(2015), Vol. 6, pp. 93-93, Frontiers in Pharmacology, Switzerland, C1-1
Andrew Scholey, David Camfield, Helen Macpherson, Lauren Owen, Philip Nguyen, Con Stough, Leigh Riby
(2015), Vol. 3, pp. 9-20, Nutrition and aging, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, C1
A Pipingas, D Camfield, C Stough, A Scholey, K Cox, D White, J Sarris, A Sali, H Macpherson
(2014), Vol. 29, pp. 73-82, Human psychopharmacology: clinical and experimental, Chichester, England, C1-1
Age-related changes to the neural correlates of working memory which emerge after midlife
H Macpherson, D White, K Ellis, C Stough, D Camfield, R Silberstein, A Pipingas
(2014), Vol. 6, Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, Lausanne, Switzerland, C1-1
A Herbert, J Cruickshank, S Laurent, P Boutouyrie, H Macpherson
(2014), Vol. 35, pp. 3122-3133, European heart journal, Oxford, Eng., C1-1
Neurocognition and micronutrients in the elderly
H Macpherson
(2013), pp. 43-70, Advances in Natural Medicines, Nutraceuticals and Neurocognition, B1-1
Blood pressure and cognitive function: the role of central aortic and brachial pressures
M Pase, C Stough, N Grima, E Harris, H Macpherson, A Scholey, A Pipingas
(2013), Vol. 24, pp. 2173-2181, Psychological science, London, Eng., C1-1
H Macpherson, A Pipingas, M Pase
(2013), Vol. 97, pp. 437-444, American journal of clinical nutrition, Washington, D.C., C1-1
A Scholey, H Macpherson, S Sünram-Lea, J Elliott, C Stough, D Kennedy
(2013), Vol. 64, pp. 544-549, Neuropharmacology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, C1-1
H Macpherson, R Silberstein, A Pipingas
(2012), Vol. 107, pp. 346-354, Physiology and behavior, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, C1-1
E Harris, H Macpherson, L Vitetta, J Kirk, A Sali, A Pipingas
(2012), Vol. 27, pp. 370-377, Human psychopharmacology, London, Eng., C1-1
Improved processing speed: online computer-based cognitive training in older adults
T Simpson, D Camfield, A Pipingas, H Macpherson, C Stough
(2012), Vol. 38, pp. 445-458, Educational gerontology, London, Eng., C1-1
The effects of multivitamins on cognitive performance: a systematic review and meta-analysis
N Grima, M Pase, H Macpherson, A Pipingas
(2012), Vol. 29, pp. 561-569, Journal of alzheimer's disease, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, C1-1
H Macpherson, K Ellis, A Sali, A Pipingas
(2012), Vol. 220, pp. 351-365, Psychopharmacology, Berlin, Germany, C1-1
A steady state visually evoked potential investigation of memory and ageing
H Macpherson, A Pipingas, R Silberstein
(2009), Vol. 69, pp. 571-579, Brain and cognition, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, C1-1
Funded Projects at Deakin
Australian Competitive Grants
A multi-faceted intervention to enhance cognition in older people at risk of cognitive decline
Dr Helen Macpherson, Prof Robin Daly
NHMRC-ARC Dementia Research Development Fellowships Scheme
- 2020: $55,553
- 2019: $108,425
- 2018: $156,833
- 2017: $204,112
- 2016: $112,972
Eating patterns: How do they interact with activity, sleep and mood?
Prof Sarah McNaughton, Prof David Dunstan, Dr Charli Sargent, Prof Tony Worsley, Dr Helen Macpherson
ARC - Discovery Projects
- 2019: $219,934
- 2018: $149,302
- 2017: $141,935
Exploration of the associations between cognitive performance, and dual-tasking, gait, and physical performance in community-dwelling older adults and individuals with Alzheimer's
Dr Helen Macpherson, Dr Timo Rantalainen, Dr Wei-Peng Teo
Alzheimer's Australia Dementia Research Foundation Project Grants
- 2018: $5,000
- 2017: $45,000
Feasibility and pilot randomised controlled trial of a co-designed home-based personalised rehabilitative strategy program delivered via Voice-Controlled Intelligent Personal Assistants in older adult
Dr Paul Jansons, A/Prof Michele Callisaya, Dr Helen Macpherson, A/Prof David Scott
Dementia Australia Research Foundation - Project Grant
- 2023: $30,000
- 2022: $45,000
Implementing innovative technology promoting self-awareness of brain health and self-determination in obtaining a timely dementia diagnosis
Prof Alison Hutchinson, Dr Helen Macpherson, Prof Tracey Bucknall, Prof Rajesh Vasa, A/Prof Bernice Redley, Dr Jessica Rivera Villicana, Prof Liliana Orellana, Prof Kon Mouzakis
MRFF (NHMRC) - Dementia, Ageing and Aged Care Grant Opportunity
- 2022: $1,044,161
Industry and Other Funding
PhD Scholarship - The association between dairy consumption and mood and cognition
Prof Felice Jacka, Miss Meghan Hockey, Dr Anu Ruusunen, Dr Helen Macpherson, Dr Tetyana Rocks
Australian Rotary Health PhD scholarship
- 2023: $3,000
- 2021: $18,000
- 2020: $18,000
- 2019: $11,250
Supervisions
Nathan Nuzum
Thesis entitled: Gut microbiota and lifestyle factors across ageing and Parkinson¿s disease
Doctor of Philosophy (Nutrition & Exercise) (High Cost), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences
Meghan Hockey
Thesis entitled: The Association Between Dairy Intake and Depression
Doctor of Philosophy (Medicine), School of Medicine