Is Health in our Genes?

Is susceptibility to dementia something that we are born with in our genes? Or is it something we can influence with lifestyle choices? The talk will showcase ongoing research into the drivers of dementia and discuss the implications of the findings.

Luke Wiley is a senior lecturer and researcher at Murdoch University. Luke’s research focuses on understanding the complex interactions that occur between our genes, lifestyle, and environment and how they combine to influence our overall health status.

This talk will discuss how we study contributions from genetic and environmental factors, such as lifestyle including diet, chemical exposures, and our microbiome, in the development of disease. We will consider examples including Covid-19, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Nicola Gray obtained her PhD from King's College London in analytical chemistry, focusing on the detection of doping agents in sport. Nicola has since worked in academia and industry before joining the Australian National Phenome Centre in Perth in 2019.

As we understand more about our bodies, we can see that the one-size-fits-all approach to making lifestyle changes isn't going to cut it anymore. The "right" diet and lifestyle depends on multiple aspects, including your genetics, your microbiome and a range of other factors. This talk will introduce you to the future of health care: Precision Nutrition.

As a dietitian, diabetes educator and personal trainer, Charlotte Rowley works with clients to optimise their health. She is also a PhD candidate at Murdoch University, investigating Precision Nutrition.