Research & Publications

ADVANCING
THE SCIENCE
OF THE
FEMALE BRAIN.

Louisa Nicola's research focuses on Alzheimer's prevention, neuroimaging in women, and the intersection of exercise and cognitive health. Below are her published works and upcoming first-author papers.

MRI, PET scan, and DTI tractography — neuroimaging modalities used in Louisa Nicola's research

Neuroimaging

MRI & PET IMAGING

Structural MRI and PET scans of the female brain, revealing the neuroanatomical and metabolic patterns central to Alzheimer's research.

Sagittal MRI scan of the female brain showing hippocampus, cortex, and cerebellum

Structural MRI — Sagittal View

Female brain, T1-weighted imaging

PET scan showing metabolic activity in the female brain with color-coded regions

FDG-PET — Axial View

Cerebral glucose metabolism mapping

Placeholder — your neurosurgery photos and additional brain scans will be added here.

Published Research

PUBLICATIONS

Does Resistance Training in Older Adults Lead to Structural Brain Changes Associated with a Lower Risk of Alzheimer's Dementia? A Narrative Review

Ageing Research Reviews · Vol. 98, 102356 · 2024

DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102356 · NeuroAthletics, New York, NY, USA

This review evaluates the impact of resistance exercise on brain structures and cognitive deficits associated with Alzheimer's Disease. Preliminary findings suggest that resistance exercise induces structural brain changes in older adults that could reduce the risk of AD or mitigate AD progression, particularly when performed at least twice per week for at least six months.

Alzheimer's DiseaseCognitive FunctionResistance ExerciseHippocampusWhite Matter
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The Overlooked Role of Nutrition in Recovery after Cranioplasty Surgery: Where We Are and Where We Must Go? A Critical Narrative Review

Journal of Craniofacial Surgery · Publish Ahead of Print · 2026

DOI: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000012399 · Co-authored with Ferreira MY, de Almeida Monteiro G, Cardoso LJC, Berglas E, Schumacher F, Rath J, Ben-Shalom N

This narrative review synthesizes evidence from related surgical fields to underscore the need for targeted research on nutrition in cranioplasty. Robust evidence from general, plastic, orthopedic, and neurosurgical settings indicates that preoperative nutrition screening and integrated perioperative protocols reduce complications and improve wound and bone healing.

CranioplastyNutritionPerioperative CareNeurosurgeryRecovery
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Research Pipeline

UPCOMING PAPERS

Six first-author papers currently in development. Titles and details will be updated as they progress through peer review.

01

Upcoming Paper Title — Placeholder

In ProgressAlzheimer's Prevention
02

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In ProgressFemale Brain Health
03

Upcoming Paper Title — Placeholder

PlannedExercise & Neuroplasticity
04

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PlannedSleep & Cognitive Decline
05

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PlannedHormones & Brain Aging
06

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PlannedNutrition & Neuroprotection