Staff Categories

Background

I am an early career researcher with an interest in the prevention of cognitive decline and dementia. I have been employed with the Department of Anaesthetics as a Research Fellow for four years, with my primary role being engaging with patients and recruiting them into national and international clinical trials.

I completed a Bachelor degree in Psychology with Honours at Deakin University and then went on to receive a scholarship to complete my PhD in the area of exercise and nutrition science, with a focus on cognition in older adults. I have contributed to several published papers and book chapters and hope to be publishing some of my new work shortly. I am registered as a provisional psychologist and have completed a Masters degree in Professional Psychology so that I can achieve my goal of becoming a clinician researcher.

Research Focus

My current research focus is centred on the prevention of cognitive decline following surgery. As we age, the risks associated with undergoing surgery increase, and this can include a decline in abilities like memory. People commonly know this as ‘delirium’, however, I’m interested in the more long-term changes and how these can be prevented through lifestyle changes as a preparation for surgery.

Awards & Achievements

• School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences Higher Degrees by Research Writing Award
• Australian Postgraduate Award Scholarship
• First class Honours for Bachelor of Psychology

Feature Publications

• Formica, M. B., Gianoudis, J., Nowson, C. A., O’Connell, S. L., Milte, C., Ellis, K. A. & Daly, R. M. (2019). Effects of lean red meat combined with a multi-component exercise program on muscle and cognitive function in older adults: A 6-month randomized controlled trial. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
• Mravunac, M., Szymlek-Gay, E. A., Daly, R. M., Roberts, B. R., Formica, M., Gianoudis, J., O’Connell, S. L., Nowson, C. A. & Cardoso, B. R. (2019). Greater Circulating Copper Concentrations and Copper/Zinc Ratios are Associated with Lower Psychological Distress, But Not Cognitive Performance, in a Sample of Australian Older Adults. Nutrients. 11(10), 2503.
• Cardoso, B. r., Szymlek-Gay, E. A., Roberts, B. R., Formica, M., Gianoudis, J., O’Connell, S., Nowson, C. A. & Daly, R. M. (2018). Selenium Status Is Not Associated with Cognitive Performance: A Cross-Sectional Study in 154 Older Australian Adults, Nutrients. 10, 1847.
• Reid, N., Healy. G. N., Gianoudis, J., Formica, M., Gardiner, P. A., Eakin, E. E., Nowson, C. A. & Daly, R. M. (2018). Association of sitting time and breaks in sitting with muscle mass, strength, function, and inflammation in community-dwelling older adults. Osteoporosis International,  doi: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29479645
• MacPherson, H., Formica, M., Harris, E. & Daly, R. M. (2017). Brain functional alterations in Type 2 diabetes- a systematic review of fMRI studies. Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology, doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.yfrne.2017.07.001

How you can help

Participate in a Clinical Trial

To find out about Clinical Trials currently underway at Barwon Health, click here. To learn more about the Adrian Costa Clinical Trials Centre, click here.

Donate

Research requires ongoing investment and there are several ways to support our work. You can make a donation today and contribute to an item on our research group’s wish list, consider a bequest in your will, or establish a lasting legacy fund in your name. No matter what size, your philanthropic support will deliver an immediate impact to this important work. To donate now or for more information, please contact the Barwon Health Foundation.