Dr. David Larbi Simpong, a seasoned Clinical Laboratory Scientist and neuroscientist, is a faculty member at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) and a visiting faculty at the Kintampo College of Health and Well-being, both located in Ghana. Driven by his commitment to advancing dementia and Alzheimer's disease (AD) diagnosis, he has forged collaborative partnerships with numerous institutions and individuals both domestically and internationally. 

Currently, Dr. Simpong is spearheading efforts to optimize innovative laboratory diagnostic platforms to enable early and accurate detection of dementia and AD in Ghana. A key component of his research involves establishing a biobank of brain tissue and body fluids (blood, urine, and saliva) from individuals with dementia in Ghana. This invaluable resource will serve as a foundation for further research into the early detection and diagnosis of these conditions. Building on his previous research measuring both free-floating and enwrapped tau protein in the peripheral blood of dementia patients, Dr. Simpong and his postgraduate students are currently working on profiling genes associated with dementia among the African population. 

Leveraging existing collaborations with the Ghana Health Service and teaching hospitals, Dr. Simpong envisions a future where culturally sensitive and comprehensive platforms for measuring blood and cerebrospinal fluid-based tau and beta amyloid biomarkers are readily accessible in Ghana by 2030 

 1.      Student-Centered Learning: To prioritize active learning techniques, such as group discussions, problem-based learning, and hands-on experiments. 

2.      Real-World Application: Connect neuroscience concepts to real-world examples and applications, such as neurodegenerative diseases, mental health disorders, and technological advancements. 

3.      Lifelong Learning: Promotion of growth mindset, emphasizing the importance of perseverance, resilience, and a willingness to embrace challenges. 

4.      Interdisciplinary Approach: By encouraging students to think critically about the complex interplay between biological, psychological, and social factors that shape human behavior.