Liisa Galea

Administrative Assistant: Kimberly Go: Kimberly.Go@camh.ca  

Research Synopsis

Although sex differences exist in many diseases, research targeting sex as a factor in brain health is scarce. Dr. Galea’s research is vital in filling this knowledge gap, specifically in understanding how sex and hormones influence neuroplasticity in females. Dr. Galea is a world-renowned expert in sex hormone influences on brain and behaviour in both health and disease states, with a focus on dementia and stress-related psychiatric disorders. Her preclinical work is essential for developing tailored treatments for brain disease in both women and men. 

Her research examines the intersection of hormones, sex and stress on brain plasticity. Her research reveals novel insight into the mechanisms by which pregnancy impacts risk for psychiatric disorders in the short term and the trajectory of cognitive ageing in the long term. Her work targets diseases that show greater prevalence in women, such as Alzheimer’s disease and depression.