Andrea Du Preez

I am a postdoctoral neuroscientist working in the Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience in the Neurogenesis and Mental Health Lab at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN).

I joined the IoPPN in 2012 and since then I have been investigating the relationship between stress, inflammation and depression. I am currently working on an exciting project that aims to determine whether diet and exercise can be used to prevent or alleviate cognitive decline, dementia and depression in later life, with an emphasis on brain plasticity.

I have always been passionate about understanding more about why and how some people go onto develop depression and strive to help find easily modifiable ways in which we may help lessen the burden imposed by such a debilitating condition.

In my blogs, I would like to share my passion and increase awareness by making the science behind the work I do accessible for all.