Team and Trainees

RAD in Berlin, Photo by AvE

Contact Information:

Mailing Address

Department of Psychology
P-217 Biological Sciences Bldg
University of Alberta
Edmonton, AB
Canada T6G 2E9

Email

Team and Trainees: Research and Recognitions

Our research programs are highly collaborative, both within UAlberta and across a number of other institutions. Collaborators include not only advanced career researchers in a variety of related fields (neurology, neuroscience, genetics, imaging, psychology, psychiatry, biochemistry, statistics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning), but also early career academics, research associates, and trainees. The latter group includes undergraduate students, graduate students (MSc, PhD), post-doctoral fellows, and research specialists. On this page, we are pleased to highlight the interests and accomplishments of some current and recent early career associates and trainees. We thank them all for their commitment, diligence, and collaborative spirit.

Linzy Bohn, PhD

Current Status:

Instructor in Aging, Impairment and Alzheimer's Disease (Department of Psychology, University of Alberta)
Previous: Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Alberta

Academic Credentials:

MSc and PhD, Department of Psychology (Science), University of Alberta
Dissertation Title: Data-driven approaches to frailty operationalization and prediction of adverse outcomes.

Current Video:

Bohn, L., Drouin, S.M., McFall, G.P., Rolfson, D., Andrew, M.K., & Dixon, R.A. (2022, October). Machine learning analyses identify multimorbidity features that discriminate four cohorts in the Alzheimer's disease spectrum: A COMPASS-ND study. Presented at the 2022 Virtual CCNA Science Day Conference.

Recent Awards

2022 Poster Award (Postdoctoral Category) at the Virtual CCNA Science Day Conference
2020 Gyro Club of Edmonton Graduate Scholarship — Doctoral Level
2020 Thelma R. Scambler Scholarship
2019 International Society for the Study of Behavioral Development Graduate Scholarship
2019 President's Doctoral Prize of Distinction
2018 President's Doctoral Prize of Distinction
2017—2020 Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council Doctoral Fellowship

Recent Papers

Bohn, L., Vandenburg, P., Fah, H., Rajah, M.N., Einstein, G.E., & Dixon, R.A. (2026). Evaluating sex and gender as independent and interactive predictors of memory aging trajectory classes: An integrative data-driven approach. Biology of Sex Differences, 17, Article 80. https://doi.org/10.1186/S13293-026-00864-2
Bohn, L., Zheng, Y., McFall, G.P., Andrew, M.K., & Dixon, R.A. (2025). Frailty in motion: Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s disease cohorts display heterogeneity in multimorbidity classification and longitudinal transitions. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 104(3), 732–750. https://doi.org/10.1177/13872877251319547
Fah, H., Bohn, L., Greiner, R., & Dixon, R.A. (2025). Comparing machine learning classifier models in discriminating cognitively unimpaired older adults from three clinical cohorts in the Alzheimer’s disease spectrum: Demonstration analyses in the COMPASS-ND study. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 17(11), Article 1542514. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2025.1542514
Bohn, L., Han, A.Y., McFall, G.P., Drouin, S.M., Pettersen, J.A., Einstein, G., Rajah, M.N., Anstey, K.J., & Dixon, R.A. (2024). Gender selectively mediates the association between sex and memory in cognitively normal older adults. Innovation in Aging, 8(11), Article igae094. https://doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igae094
Bohn, L., Drouin, S.M., McFall, G.P., Rolfson, D.B., Andrew, M.K., & Dixon, R.A. (2023). Machine learning analyses identify multi-modal frailty factors that selectively discriminate four cohorts in the Alzheimer’s disease spectrum: a COMPASS-ND study. BMC Geriatrics, 23, Article 837. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-023-04546-1
Bohn, L., McFall, G.P., Gee, M., Postuma, R.B., Dixon, R.A., & Camicioli, R. (2023). Dementia risk prediction in a longitudinal geriatric Parkinson's disease cohort: Evaluation and application of the Montréal Parkinson Risk of Dementia Scale. Canadian Geriatrics Journal, 26(1), 176-186. https://doi.org/10.5770/cgj.26.617
McFall, G.P., Bohn, L., Drouin, S.M., Gee, M., Fah, H., Han, W., Li, L., Camicioli, R., & Dixon, R.A. (2023). Identifying key multi-modal predictors of incipient dementia in Parkinson's disease: A machine learning analysis and Tree SHAP interpretation. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 15, Article 1124232. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2023.1124232
Bohn, L., Zheng, Y., McFall, G.P., & Dixon, R.A. (2021). Portals to frailty? Data-driven analyses detect early frailty profiles. Alzheimer's Research & Therapy, 13, Article 1. doi:10.1186/s13195-020-00736-w
Bohn, L., McFall, G.P., Wiebe, S.A., & Dixon, R.A. (2020). Body mass index predicts cognitive aging trajectories selectively for females: Evidence from the Victoria Longitudinal Study. Neuropsychology, 34(4), 388-403. doi:10.1037/neu0000617

G. Peggy McFall, PhD

Current Status:

Psychologist
Previous: Research Associate, University of Alberta (Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute); Assistant Director, Victoria Longitudinal Study.

Academic Credentials:

MSc and PhD, Department of Psychology (Science), University of Alberta
Dissertation Title: Selected health factors (pulse pressure, type 2 diabetes) and genetic polymorphisms (ApoE, IDE rs6583817) play independent and interactive roles in patterns of cognitive performance and change in older adults.

Current Video:

McFall, G.P., Bohn, L., Gee, M., Drouin, S.M., Han, W., Li, L., Camicioli, R., & Dixon, R.A. (2022, October). Identifying key multi-modal predictors of incipient dementia in Parkinson's disease: A machine learning analysis and Tree SHAP interpretation. Presented at the 2022 Virtual CCNA Science Day Conference.

Recent Recognitions

2022 Invited Address at Virtual CCNA Science Day Conference
2020 SynAD Catalyst Grant for Strengthening Research Capacity in ADRD
2019 SynAD Catalyst Grant for Strengthening Research Capacity in ADRD
2018 ASC-CCNA (Alzheimer's Society of Canada - Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging) poster award in the Postdoctoral Category at the CCNA Science Day, Montreal, QC
2017 ASC-CCNA (Alzheimer's Society of Canada - Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging) poster award in the Postdoctoral Category at the CCNA Science Day, Toronto, ON
2017 Connie Varnhagen Excellence in Teaching Psychology Award, University of Alberta

Recent Papers

McFall, G.P., Drouin, S.M., Potvin, O., Dieumegarde, L., Rajah, M.N., Collins, L.D., Duchesne, S., & Dixon, R.A. (2026). Longitudinal trajectories of left and right hippocampal volume are moderated by APOE and sex in cognitively normal older adults.
Bohn, L., Zheng, Y., McFall, G.P., Andrew, M.K., & Dixon, R.A. (2025). Frailty in motion: Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s disease cohorts display heterogeneity in multimorbidity classification and longitudinal transitions. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 104(3), 732–750. https://doi.org/10.1177/13872877251319547
Xu, Y., McFall, G.P., Rydén, L., Skoog, J., Chang, E., Cysique, L.A., Harris, K., Kedwell, S., Lim, M.L., Anstey, K.J., Anderson, C.S., Dixon, R.A., Skoog, I., Tully, P.J., & Peters, R. (2025). Cumulative blood pressure load and cognitive decline in older adults: An observational analysis of two large cohorts. Cerebral Circulation: Cognition and Behavior, 8, Article 100375. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cccb.2024.100375
Bohn, L., Han, A.Y., McFall, G.P., Drouin, S.M., Pettersen, J.A., Einstein, G., Rajah, M.N., Anstey, K.J., & Dixon, R.A. (2024). Gender selectively mediates the association between sex and memory in cognitively normal older adults. Innovation in Aging, 8(11), Article igae094. https://doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igae094
Caballero, S., McFall, G.P., Heal, M., Vergote, D., Andrews, S.J., Jhamandas, J., Westaway, D., Masellis, M., & Dixon, R.A. (2023). Do polygenic risk scores representing Alzheimer’s disease global risk or specific mechanisms predict non-demented memory aging trajectories differentially in females and males? Canadian Geriatrics Journal, 26(1), 206 (Abstract). https://doi.org/10.5770/cgj.26.659
McFall, G.P., Drouin, S.M., Potvin, O., Dieumegarde, L., Collins, L.D., Duchesne, S., & Dixon, R.A. (2023). Longitudinal trajectories of left and right hippocampal volume are moderated by APOE and sex in cognitively normal older adults. (Submitted for Publication)
McFall, G.P., Bohn, L., Drouin, S.M., Gee, M., Fah, H., Han, W., Li, L., Camicioli, R., & Dixon, R.A. (2023). Identifying key multi-modal predictors of incipient dementia in Parkinson's disease: A machine learning analysis and Tree SHAP interpretation. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 15, Article 1124232. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2023.1124232
Badhwar, A., McFall, G.P., Sapkota, S., Black, S., Chertkow, H., Duchesne, S., Masellis, M., Li, L., Dixon, R.A., & Bellec, P. (2020). A multiomics approach to heterogeneity in Alzheimer's disease: Focused review and roadmap. Brain, 143(5), 1315-1331. https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awz384
McFall, G.P., Bäckman, L., & Dixon, R.A. (2019). Nuances in Alzheimer's genetic risk reveal differential predictions of non-demented memory aging trajectories: Selective patterns by APOE genotype and sex. Current Alzheimer Research, 16(4), 302-315. doi:10.2174/1567205016666190315094452
McFall, G.P., McDermott, K.L., & Dixon, R.A. (2019). Modifiable risk factors discriminate memory trajectories in non-demented aging: Precision factors and targets for promoting healthier brain aging and preventing dementia? Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 70, S101-S118. doi:10.3233/JAD-180571

Sebastian Caballero, PhD

Current Status:

Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Ottawa and Western University
Previous: Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Alberta

Academic Credentials:

MSc and PhD, Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta
Dissertation Title: Interactions among polygenic risk scores and multi-modal biomarkers and risk factors in the Alzheimer’s and Lewy body spectra: Predicting cognitive level, change, and status in two Canadian databases.

Current Video:

Caballero, H.S., McFall, G.P., Heal, M., Vergote, D., Andrews, S.J., Jhamandas, J.H., Westaway, D., Masellis, M., & Dixon, R.A. (2022, October). Do polygenic risk scores representing Alzheimer's global risk or specific mechanisms predict non-demented memory aging trajectories differently in females and males? Presented at the 2022 Virtual CCNA Science Day Conference.

Recent Awards

2019 SynAD Award for Enhancing Training Capacity in ADRD
2018 Government of Alberta Graduate Student Scholarship
2018 Poster Award at the Promoting Healthy Brain Aging and Preventing Dementia: Research and Translation International Conference in Banff
2018 University of Alberta Graduate Student Association Graduate Student Research Assistant Award

Recent Papers

Caballero, H.S., Bohn, L., Vergote, D., Andrews, S.J., Jhamandas, J.H., & Dixon, R.A. (2026). Polygenic risk scores, vascular health and sex interactively predict memory aging trajectories: A dynamic Alzheimer's disease biomarker network approach. (Submitted for Publication)
Caballero, H.S., Andrews, S.J., Jhamandas, J.H., Camicioli, R., Masellis, M., & Dixon, R.A. (2025). Integrating polygenic risk scores, modifiable dementia risk factors, and sex as predictors of cohort membership in the Alzheimer’s and Lewy body disease spectra: A COMPASS-ND study. Alzheimer’s & Dementia, 21(S7), e108960 (Abstract). https://doi.org/10.1002/alz70861_108960
Caballero, H.S., McFall, G.P., Gee, M., MacDonald, S., Phillips, N., Fogarty, J., Montero-Odasso, M., Camicioli, R., & Dixon, R.A. (2024). Cognitive speed in neurodegenerative disease: Comparing mean rate and inconsistency within and across the Alzheimer's and Lewy Body Spectra in the COMPASS-ND study. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 100(2), 579–601. https://doi.org/10.3233/JAD-240210
Caballero, H.S., Vergote, D., Andrews, S.J., Jhamandas, J.H., Chertkow, H., Camicioli, R., Masellis, M., & Dixon, R.A. (2024). Integrating data-driven polygenic risk scores, vascular health, and sex in dynamic Alzheimer’s and Lewy body biomarker networks: Precision prediction of cognitive change and clinical status in the Victoria Longitudinal and COMPASS-ND studies. Canadian Geriatrics Journal, 27(3), 351 (Abstract). https://doi.org/10.5770/cgj.27.782
Caballero, H.S., Vergote, D., Andrews, S.J., Jhamandas, J.H., Chertkow, H., Camicioli, R., Masellis, M., & Dixon, R.A. (2024, March). Do data-driven global or selected mechanism-specific polygenic risk scores predict cohort membership in the Alzheimer’s and Lewy body spectra? Initial machine learning classifier analyses in the COMPASS-ND Study. Poster presented at the 25th annual Neuroscience Research Day, Edmonton, AB and at the 2024 CCNA Partners Forum and Science Days Conference, Montreal, QC.
Caballero, S., McFall, G.P., Heal, M., Vergote, D., Andrews, S.J., Jhamandas, J., Westaway, D., Masellis, M., & Dixon, R.A. (2023). Do polygenic risk scores representing Alzheimer’s disease global risk or specific mechanisms predict non-demented memory aging trajectories differentially in females and males? Canadian Geriatrics Journal, 26(1), 206 (Abstract). https://doi.org/10.5770/cgj.26.659
Caballero, H.S., McFall, G.P., Heal, M., Vergote, D., Andrews, S.J., Jhamandas, J.H., Westaway, D., Masellis, M., & Dixon, R.A. (2023, March). Integrating data-driven polygenic risk scores, vascular health, and sex in a dynamic Alzheimer's disease biomarker network: Precision prediction of memory aging trajectories. Poster presented at the 24th Annual Neuroscience Research Day, University of Alberta.
Heal, M., McFall, G.P., Caballero, H.S., Vergote, D., Westaway, D., Jhamandas, J.H., & Dixon, R.A. (2023, March). Integrating an inflammation polygenic risk score, vascular health, and sex in predicting memory aging trajectories: Preliminary report of proposed thesis study. Poster presented at the 24th Annual Neuroscience Research Day, University of Alberta.
Heal, M., Caballero, H.S., McFall, G.P., & Dixon, R.A. (2023, January). Genetic risk and Alzheimer’s disease (AD): What we know about what’s in your genes. Poster presented at Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories - Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, Hope for Tomorrow: Research Insights into Alzheimer’s Disease at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB.
Caballero, H.S., McFall, G.P., Wiebe, S., & Dixon, R.A. (2021). Integrating three characteristics of executive function in non-demented aging: Trajectories, classification, and biomarker predictors. Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society, 27(2), 158-171. doi:10.1017/S1355617720000703

Shannon Drouin, PhD

Current Status:

Assistant Professor (Psychology), University of New Brunswick
Previous: Visiting Postdoctoral Fellow, National Institute on Aging (NIA), National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Academic Credentials:

MSc and PhD, Department of Psychology (Science), University of Alberta
Dissertation Title: Data-driven approaches to modeling heterogeneity and variability across asymptomatic brain and cognitive aging, mild cognitive impairment, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Current Video:

Drouin, S.M., Badhwar, A., McFall, G.P., Bohn, L., Sapkota, S., Lussier, D., Descoteaux, M., Black, S., Chertkow, H., Rajah, M.N., Masellis, M., Greiner, R., Li, L., Iturria-Medina, Y., Duchesne, S., Dixon, R.A. (2022, October). Integrating neuroinformatics and multiomics biomarker approaches to understanding heterogeneity and precision in Alzheimer's and related dementias: A COMPASS-ND protocol from CCNA Team 9. Presented at the 2022 Virtual CCNA Science Day Conference.

Recent Awards

2022 Dallas Treit Graduate Research Award in Psychology
2021 Brendan Gail Rule Graduate Scholarship
2021 Poster Award at the Virtual CCNA Science Day Conference
2020 Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship
2020-2023 Alberta Innovates Graduate Student Scholarship — Data-Enabled Innovation
2020 Brendan Gail Rule Graduate Scholarship
2020 International Society for the Study of Behavioral Development Graduate Scholarship
2019 Alberta Excellence Graduate Scholarship
2019 Brendan Gail Rule Scholarship
2019 CIHR-CCNA Travel Award to attend CCNA Science Days
2018 Brendan Gail Rule Graduate Scholarship
2018 Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship

Recent Papers

Drouin, S.M., Potvin, O., Fah, H., Anstey, K.J., Masellis, M., Duchesne, S., & Dixon, R.A. (2026). Detecting dynamic pathways and risk indicators of resilience, vulnerability and stability in normally aging females and males: Integrating data-driven longitudinal and machine learning analyses. (Submitted for Publication)
Bohn, L., Han, A.Y., McFall, G.P., Drouin, S.M., Pettersen, J.A., Einstein, G., Rajah, M.N., Anstey, K.J., & Dixon, R.A. (2024). Gender selectively mediates the association between sex and memory in cognitively normal older adults. Innovation in Aging, 8(11), Article igae094. https://doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igae094
Drouin, S.M., Kuo, P., Moore, Z., Erus, G., Davatzikos, C., Ferrucci, L., Resnick, S., & Walker, K.A. (2024, July). CRP and GDF15 DNA methylation signatures differentially predict brain volume loss. Presented at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference, Philedelphia, PA.
Bohn, L., Drouin, S.M., McFall, G.P., Rolfson, D.B., Andrew, M.K., & Dixon, R.A. (2023). Machine learning analyses identify multi-modal frailty factors that selectively discriminate four cohorts in the Alzheimer’s disease spectrum: a COMPASS-ND study. BMC Geriatrics, 23, Article 837. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-023-04546-1
Bohn, L., Drouin, S.M., McFall, G.P., Rolfson, D.B., Andrew, M.K., & Dixon, R.A. (2023). Machine learning analyses identify multi-morbidity features that discriminate four cohorts in the Alzheimer’s disease spectrum: A COMPASS-ND study. Canadian Geriatrics Journal, 26(1), 205 (Abstract). https://doi.org/10.5770/cgj.26.659
McFall, G.P., Bohn, L., Drouin, S.M., Gee, M., Fah, H., Han, W., Li, L., Camicioli, R., & Dixon, R.A. (2023). Identifying key multi-modal predictors of incipient dementia in Parkinson's disease: A machine learning analysis and Tree SHAP interpretation. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 15, Article 1124232. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2023.1124232
McFall, G.P., Bohn, L., Gee, M., Drouin, S.M., Han, W., Li, L., Camicioli, R., & Dixon, R.A. (2023). Identifying key multi-modal predictors of incipient dementia in Parkinson’s disease: Machine learning analyses and Tree SHAP interpretation. Canadian Geriatrics Journal, 26(1), 220 (Abstract). https://doi.org/10.5770/cgj.26.659
Zheng, L., Eramudugolla, R., Cherbuin, N., Drouin, S.M., Dixon, R.A., & Anstey, K.J. (2023). Gender specific factors contributing to cognitive resilience in APOE ɛ4 positive older adults in a population-based sample. Scientific Reports, 13, 8037. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-34485-1
Drouin, S.M., McFall, G.P., & Dixon, R.A. (2022). Subjective memory concerns, poor vascular health, and male sex predict exacerbated memory decline trajectories: An integrative data-driven class and prediction analysis. Neuropsychology, 36(2), 128-139. https://doi.org/10.1037/neu0000784
Drouin, S.M., McFall, G.P., Potvin, O., Bellec, P., Masellis, M., Duchesne, S., & Dixon, R.A. for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (2022). Data-driven analyses of longitudinal hippocampal imaging trajectories: Discrimination and biomarker prediction of change classes. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 88, 97-115. https://doi.org/10.3233/JAD-215289
Drouin, S.M., McFall, G.P., Potvin, O., Zheng, L., Anstey, K.J., Masellis, M., Bellec, P., Duchesne, S., & Dixon, R.A. (2022). Memory resilience in cognitively normal older adults with advanced hippocampal atrophy: Data-driven approaches to detection and prediction. Canadian Geriatrics Journal, 25(1), 116 (Abstract). https://doi.org/10.5770/cgj.25.596
Drouin, S.M., McFall, G.P., Potvin, O., Zheng, L., Anstey, K.J., Masellis, M., Bellec, P., Duchesne, S., & Dixon, R.A. (2021, October). Memory resilience in cognitively normal older adults with advanced hippocampal atrophy: Data-driven approaches to detection and prediction. Poster presented at the 2021 Virtual CCNA Science Day Conference.
Drouin, S.M., McFall, G.P., & Dixon, R.A. (2020). In multiple facets of Subjective Memory Decline sex moderates memory predictions. Alzheimer's & Dementia: Diagnosis, Assessment & Disease Monitoring, 12(1), e12089. doi:10.1002/dad2.12089
Drouin, S., McFall, G.P., Potvin, O., Bellec, P., Duchesne, S., & Dixon, R.A. (2019, October). Machine learning analyses of longitudinal imaging trajectories: Discrimination and biomarker prediction of change subclasses and clinical outcomes. Poster presented at Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration and Aging, Quebec City, QC.
McFall, G.P., Potvin, O., Dieumegarde, L., Drouin, S., Camicioli, R., Collins, L., Bellec, P., Duchesne, S., & Dixon, R.A. (2019, July). Trajectory analyses of morphometric imaging measures provide novel insights into the dynamics of brain aging as moderated by sex and APOE. Presented at Alzheimer's Association International Conference, Los Angeles, CA.

Harrison Fah, MSc

Current Status:

Machine Learning Resident, Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute

Academic Credentials:

MSc, Department of Computing Science, University of Alberta
Co-Supervisors: Drs. Russ Greiner and Roger Dixon
Thesis Title: Estimating delays in Alzheimer’s disease onset from risk factor modification using reinforcement learning: A ROSMAP study.

Recent Papers

Drouin, S.M., Potvin, O., Fah, H., Anstey, K.J., Masellis, M., Duchesne, S., & Dixon, R.A. (2026). Detecting dynamic pathways and risk indicators of resilience, vulnerability and stability in normally aging females and males: Integrating data-driven longitudinal and machine learning analyses. (Submitted for Publication)
Fah, H., Greiner, R., Bennett, D.A., & Dixon, R.A. (2026). Estimating delays in Alzheimer’s disease onset from risk factor modification using reinforcement learning: A ROSMAP study. (Submitted for Publication)
Bohn, L., Vandenburg, P., Fah, H., Rajah, M.N., Einstein, G.E., & Dixon, R.A. (2026). Evaluating sex and gender as independent and interactive predictors of memory aging trajectory classes: An integrative data-driven approach. Biology of Sex Differences, 17, Article 80. https://doi.org/10.1186/S13293-026-00864-2
Fah, H., Greiner, R., & Dixon, R.A. (2026). Temporally consistent survival prediction for non-uniform longitudinal data. Journal of Biomedical Informatics, 176, 104996. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbi.2026.104996
Fah, H., Bohn, L., Greiner, R., & Dixon, R.A. (2025). Comparing machine learning classifier models in discriminating cognitively unimpaired older adults from three clinical cohorts in the Alzheimer’s disease spectrum: Demonstration analyses in the COMPASS-ND study. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 17, Article 1542514. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2025.1542514
Fah, H., Dixon, R.A., & Greiner, R. (2024, September).Comparing regression algorithms for predicting time until dementia onset using longitudinal data with censoring. Poster presented at the 2024 Reverse Expo, University of Alberta.
Fah, H., Bohn, L., Greiner, R., & Dixon, R.A. (2024, March). Comparing machine learning classifier models in discriminating cognitively unimpaired older adults from three clinical cohorts in the Alzheimer’s disease spectrum: Demonstration analyses in the COMPASS-ND study. Poster presented at the 2024 CCNA Partners Forum and Science Days Conference, Montréal, QC.
Fah, H., Bohn, L., Greiner, R., & Dixon, R.A. (2023, March). Comparing machine learning classifier models in discriminating cognitively unimpaired older adults from three clinical cohorts in the Alzheimer's disease spectrum: A CCNA COMPASS-ND study. Poster presented at the 24th Annual Neuroscience Research Day, University of Alberta.
McFall, G. P., Bohn, L., Gee, M., Drouin, S. M., Fah, H., Han, W., Li, L., Camicioli, R., & Dixon, R. A. (2023). Identifying key multi-modal predictors of incipient dementia in parkinson’s disease: A machine learning analysis and Tree Shap Interpretation. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 15, 1-16. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2023.1124232

Mackenzie Heal, MSc

Current Status:

Resource Development Assistant & Program Coordinator, Kells Psychology

Academic Credentials:

MSc, Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta
Thesis Title: An inflammation-related polygenic risk score moderates vascular health and sex in predicting asymptomatic aging memory trajectories: Implications for precision detection of Alzheimer’s risk.

Current Video:

Heal, M., McFall, G.P., Caballero, H.S., Vergote, D., Westaway, D., Jhamandas, J.H., & Dixon, R.A. (2022, October). Integrating Alzheimer's genetic risk, vascular health, and sex in predicting memory aging trajectories: Two replicated multi-step biomarker network analyses. Presented at the 2022 Virtual CCNA Science Day Conference.

Current Radio Interview:

January 2023 (Radio-Canada) Rattrapage du mercredi 25 janvier 2023 (radio-canada.ca)

Recent Awards

2021 Poster Award at the Virtual Promoting Healthy Brain Aging and Preventing Dementia: Research and Translation International Conference

Recent Papers

Caballero, S., McFall, G.P., Heal, M., Vergote, D., Andrews, S., Jhamandas, J., Westaway, D., Masellis, M., & Dixon, R.A. (2023). Do polygenic risk scores representing Alzheimer’s disease global risk or specific mechanisms predict non-demented memory aging trajectories differentially in females and males? Canadian Geriatrics Journal, 26(1), 206 (Abstract). https://doi.org/10.5770/cgj.26.659
Heal, M., McFall, G.P., Caballero, H.S., Vergote, D., Westaway, D., Jhamandas, J.H., & Dixon, R.A. (2023, March). Integrating an inflammation polygenic risk score, vascular health, and sex in predicting memory aging trajectories: Preliminary report of proposed thesis study. Poster presented at the 24th Annual Neuroscience Research Day, University of Alberta.
Heal, M., Caballero, H.S., McFall, G.P., & Dixon, R.A. (2023, January). Genetic risk and Alzheimer's disease (AD): What we know about what's in your genes. Poster presented at Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories - Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, Hope for Tomorrow: Research Insights into Alzheimer's Disease at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB.
Heal, M., McFall, G.P., Vergote, D., Jhamandas, J.H., Westaway, D., & Dixon, R.A. (2022). Bridging Integrator 1 (BIN1, rs6733839) and sex are moderators of vascular health predictions of memory aging trajectories. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 89, 265-281. https://doi.org/10.3233/JAD-220334
Heal, M., McFall, G.P., Vergote, D., & Dixon, R.A. (2021, March). Bridging Integrator 1 (BIN1, rs6733839) and sex are moderators of vascular health predictions of memory aging trajectories. Presented at the 22nd Annual Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute Research Day (Virtual Event).

Astrid Han, BSc

Academic Credentials:

BSc, Department of Psychology, University of Alberta

Current Video:

Han, Y.W., McFall, G.P., Drouin, S.M., Bohn, L., & Dixon, R.A. (2021, May). Gender mediates the relationship between sex and memory in cognitively normal older adults. Paper presented at the Banff Conference on Promoting Healthy Brain Aging and Preventing Dementia: Research and Translation. Virtual Conference from Alberta Canada.

Recent Papers

Bohn, L., Han, A.Y., McFall, G.P., Drouin, S.M., Pettersen, J.A., Einstein, G., Rajah, M.N., Anstey, K.J., & Dixon, R.A. (2024). Gender selectively mediates the association between sex and memory in cognitively normal older adults. Innovation in Aging, 8(11), Article igae094. https://doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igae094

Sheri Thibeau, PhD

Academic Credentials:

MSc and PhD, Department of Psychology, University of Alberta
Dissertation Title: Cognitive resilience to frailty and mobility adversities in aging: Data-driven approach to classification and prediction by risk factors for Alzheimer's disease.

Recent Awards

2019 and 2020: Instructor in Aging, Impairment and Alzheimer's Disease
2018 Queen Elizabeth II Doctoral Scholarship
2017 ASC-CCNA (Alzheimer's Society of Canada - Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging) poster award in the PhD Category at the CCNA Science Day, Toronto, ON

Samantha Fu, BSc

Academic Credentials:

BSc, Department of Psychology (Science), University of Alberta

Recent Awards:

BSc Research Specialization, Faculty of Science

Recent Papers

Drouin, S., McFall, G.P., Fu, S.X., & Dixon, R.A. (2018, June). A four-facet model of subjective memory decline in non-demented aging: Selective prediction sensitivity for women. Poster presented at the International Conference on Promoting Healthy Brain Aging and Preventing Dementia: Research and Translation, Banff, AB.
Drouin, S., McFall, G.P., Fu, S.X., & Dixon, R.A. (2018, April). A four-facet model of subjective memory decline in non-demented aging: Selective prediction sensitivity for women. Poster presented at the annual Joseph R. Royce Conference, Department of Psychology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB.
Fu, S.X., McFall, G.P. & Dixon, R.A. (2017, March). Subjective memory decline in non-demented aging: Exploring multidimensionality, group differences, longitudinal changes. Poster presented at the annual Joseph R. Royce Conference, Department of Psychology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB.

Kirstie McDermott, MSc

Current Status:

Clinical Research Operations Specialist, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry - Women and Children's Health Research Institute

Academic Credentials:

MSc, Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta
Thesis Title: Sex effects in predictors of memory resilience for carriers of Alzheimer’s genetic risk.

Recent Awards

2016 Outstanding Student Poster at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference

Sarah Tipples (BSc Honours)

Academic Credentials:

BSc (Honours), Department of Psychology (Science), University of Alberta

Recent Awards:

Queen Elizabeth Scholarship (University of Alberta): Internship at Oxford University (UK)

Selected Recent Alumni

Shea Andrews, PhD (Australian National University)

Current Status:

Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco

Formerly:

PDF, Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NYC.

Current Research:

Genetic Epidemiology in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias; Quantitative analytics of genetic, biological, and environmental risk in AD.

Recent Awards

Alzheimer's Association Research Fellowship (Assessing the Causal Role of Mitochondria in Alzheimer's Disease)

Recent Papers

Caballero, H.S., Vergote, D., Andrews, S.J., Jhamandas, J.H., Chertkow, H., Camicioli, R., Masellis, M., & Dixon, R.A. (2024). Integrating data-driven polygenic risk scores, vascular health, and sex in dynamic Alzheimer’s and Lewy body biomarker networks: Precision prediction of cognitive change and clinical status in the Victoria Longitudinal and COMPASS-ND studies. Canadian Geriatrics Journal, 27(3), 351 (Abstract). https://doi.org/10.5770/cgj.27.782
Caballero, S., McFall, G.P., Heal, M., Vergote, D., Andrews, S.J., Jhamandas, J., Westaway, D., Masellis, M., & Dixon, R.A. (2023). Do polygenic risk scores representing Alzheimer’s disease global risk or specific mechanisms predict non-demented memory aging trajectories differentially in females and males? Canadian Geriatrics Journal, 26(1), 206 (Abstract). https://doi.org/10.5770/cgj.26.659
Peters, R., Yasar, S., Anderson, C., Andrews, S.J., ... Dixon, R.A., ... McFall, G.P., ... & Anstey, K.J. (2020). An investigation of antihypertensive class, dementia and cognitive decline. A meta-analysis. Neurology, 94, 1-15. doi:10.1212/WNL.0000000000008732
Andrews, S.J., McFall, G.P., Booth, A., Dixon, R.A., & Anstey, K.J. (2019). Association of Alzheimer's disease genetic risk loci with cognitive performance and decline: A systematic review. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 69, 1109-1136. doi:10.3233/JAD-190342
Andrews, S.J., McFall, G.P., Dixon, R.A., & Anstey, K.J. (2019). Alzheimer's environmental and genetic risk scores are differentially associated with general cognitive ability and dementia severity. Alzheimer Disease & Associated Disorders, 33, 95-103. doi:10.1097/WAD.0000000000000292
McDermott, K., McFall, G.P., Andrews, S.J., Anstey, K.J., & Dixon, R.A. (2017). Memory resilience to Alzheimer's genetic risk: Sex effects in predictor profiles. Journal of Gerontology: Psychological Sciences, 72(6), 937-946. doi:10.1093/geronb/gbw161

Shraddha Sapkota, PhD

Current Status:

Research Assistant Professor, Department of Neurology, University of California, Davis.

Formerly:

Postdoctoral Fellow, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON.

Current Research:

Network and omics approaches to biomarker and risk factor studies of brain aging, impairment, and neurodegenerative disease.

Recent Awards

2017-2019 Postdoctoral Fellowship from the Alzheimer Society of Canada (Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto)
2017 Postdoctoral Fellow, Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging (University of Alberta)
2014 Emerging Scholar Award from the Gerontological Society of America

Recent Papers

Sapkota, S., McFall, G.P., Masellis, M., Dixon, R.A., & Black, S.E. (2022). Differential cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease is predicted by changes in ventricular size but moderated by Apolipoprotein E and pulse pressure. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 85(2), 545-560. https://doi.org/10.3233/JAD-215068
Sapkota, S., McFall, G.P., Masellis, M., & Dixon, R.A. (2021). A multimodal risk network predicts executive function trajectories in non-demented aging. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 13, Article 621023. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2021.621023
Badhwar, A., McFall, G.P., Sapkota, S., Black, S., Chertkow, H., Duchesne, S., Masellis, M., Li, L., Dixon, R.A., & Bellec, P. (2020). A multiomics approach to heterogeneity in Alzheimer's disease: Focused review and roadmap. Brain, 143(5), 1315-1331. https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awz384
Huan, T., Tran, T., Zheng, J., Sapkota, S., Camicioli, R., Dixon, R.A., & Li, L. (2018). Metabolomics analyses of saliva detect novel biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 65(4), 1401-1416. https://doi.org/10.3233/JAD-180711
Sapkota, S., & Dixon, R.A. (2018). A network of genetic effects on non-demented cognitive aging: Alzheimer's genetic risk (CLU + CR1 + PICALM) intensifies cognitive aging genetic risk (COMT + BDNF) selectively for APOE ε4 carriers. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 62(2), 887-900. doi:10.3233/JAD-170909
Sapkota, S., Huan, T., Tran, T., Zheng, J., Camicioli, R., Li, L., & Dixon, R.A. (2018). Alzheimer's biomarkers from multiple modalities selectively discriminate clinical status: Relative importance of salivary metabolomics panels, genetic, lifestyle, cognitive, functional health, and demographic risk markers. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 10, 296. doi:10.3389/fnagi.2018.00296

Sanda Dolcos, PhD (North Carolina)

Current Status:

Research Associate, University of Illinois (Beckman Institute and Department of Psychology).

Current Research:

Social, personality, and affective neuroscience; cognitive and affective aging; emotional wellbeing.

Recent Awards

Post-doctoral Fellowship, Department of Psychology, University of Illinois

Former Trainees

Additional information is available on the Victoria Longitudinal Study website.