Profile image for Andrew Scholey

Professor Andrew Scholey

Adjunct Professor, Director Centre for Human Psychopharmacology (2011-2020)
PhD, Open University, United Kingdom; BSC (Hons), University of Plymouth, United Kingdom

Biography

Andrew Scholey is an Adjunct Professor of Human Psychopharmacology. Between 2011 and 2020 he was Director of the Centre for Human Psychopharmacology at Swinburne University of Technology. 

His research focuses on human psychopharmacology and falls into three main areas.

  • Understanding the mechanisms of cognitive enhancement in healthy and impaired populations
  • Neurocognitive effects of drugs, alcohol and hangover
  • Nutritional cognitive neuroscience 

In 1998 Andrew established the Human Cognitive Neuroscience Unit (now the Brain Performance and Nutrition Research Centre) at Northumbria University UK, where he was director until taking up his present post in late 2007. He was also co-director of the Medicinal Plant Research Centre in the UK and remains as honorary director of their neurocognitive trials section.

He  has been lead investigator on a series of ground breaking studies into natural substances and neurocognition. These have ranged from 'metabolic' interventions (notably glucose and oxygen), to low doses of alcohol and even drinking water (in thirsty individuals) and chewing gum. He was also Principal Investigator on the initial studies into the neurocognitive effects of numerous plant extracts including ginkgo biloba, ginseng, lemon balm, caffeine, sage, valerian, guarana, cocoa polyphenols, theanine and curcumin.

Andrew has published around 260 journal articles and 25 book chapters and books focusing on the potential mood and cognition enhancing effects of natural products. His current research uses state-of the-art methodology, including neurocognitive assessment, brain imaging and various physiological analyses to disentangle the neurocognitive effects of specific nutritional interventions (focussing on plant extracts) to enhance cognitive performance. The aim is to understand underlying mechanisms in order to develop nutritional interventions for conditions where cognition becomes fragile, including ageing and dementia.

Andrew has served on numerous scientific committees and advisory boards for industry and government. He works closely with industry to allow rapid translation of research findings into evidence-based interventions for brain health. He is committed to the public dissemination of science which has led to many appearances in the print, radio and television media.

Research interests

Cognitive Psychology; Psychopharmacology; Nutrition and brain function; Herbal extracts; Effects of natural substances on brain function; Cognition enhancement; Dementias; Drugs and behaviour; alcohol; caffeine

PhD candidate and honours supervision

Higher degrees by research

Accredited to supervise Masters & Doctoral students as Principal Supervisor.

PhD topics and outlines

Effects of glucose on neurocognitive function: The brain is the most metabolically active organ in the body and relies on a constant supply of glucose. Increasing blood glucose levels, for example with a glucose drink leads to improvements in cognitive function. This simple procedure can provide insights into the mechanisms of cognitive enhancement. A project in this area would use various methodologies to better understand the phenomenon.

Effects of nutritional supplementation on neurocognitive performance: The Centre for Human Psychopharmacology is conducting several studies into the effects of nutritional supplementation on brain, mood, cognitive functioning, neuroimaging and relevant biomarkers. The projects involve healthy younger and older adults, as well as those with cognitive impairment (e.g. SMI, AAMI and MCI). Opportunities exist to explore the modifiable mechanisms of cognitive change.

Neurocognitive effects of alcohol hangover: Alcohol hangover has a huge impact on behaviour and society. Despite this it is relatively under-researched, particularly when compared with effects of alcohol intoxication. This project will investigate the neurocognitive consequences of alcohol hangover using a variety of methodologies.  

Honours

Available to supervise honours students.

Honours topics and outlines

Effects of glucose on neurocognitive function: The brain is the most metabolically active organ in the body and relies on a constant supply of glucose. Increasing blood glucose levels, for example with a glucose drink leads to improvements in cognitive function. This simple procedure can provide insights into the mechanisms of cognitive enhancement. A project in this area would use various methodologies to better understand the phenomenon.

Effects of nutritional supplementation on neurocognitive performance: I am currently PI on several studies into the effects of nutritional supplementation on brain, mood, cognitive functioning, neuroimaging and relevant biomarkers. The projects involve healthy younger and older adults, as well as those with cognitive impairment (e.g. SMI, AAMI and MCI). Opportunities exist to explore the modifiable mechanisms of cognitive change.

Neurocognitive effects of alcohol hangover: Alcohol hangover has a huge impact on behaviour and society. Despite this it is relatively under-researched, particularly when compared with effects of alcohol intoxication. This project will investigate the neurocognitive consequences of alcohol hangover using a variety of methodologies.

Teaching areas

Psychopharmacology

Further information

  • andrew@scholeylab.com
  • https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=2jH8dwYAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao
  • http://theconversation.com/profiles/andrew-scholey-115893

Publications

Also published as: Scholey, Andrew; Scholey, A.; Scholey, A. B.; Scholey, Andrew B.; Scholey, Andy B.
This publication listing is provided by Swinburne Research Bank. If you are the owner of this profile, you can update your publications using our online form.

Recent research grants awarded

  • 2020: Complex Milk Lipids in Older Adults with Subjective Memory Complaints *; Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
  • 2020: Effects of an Indigenous Plant Extract on Brain Function and Health *; GRETALS AUSTRALIA PTY LTD
  • 2018: Examining the Effects of One-Month Probiotic Treatment on Mental Fatigue *; Danisco Sweeteners Oy Fund Scheme
  • 2017: Dietary patterns, inflammatory salivary biomarkers, stool characterization among healthy toddlers aged 15-36 months old in Australia *; Danone Asia Pacific Holdings Pte Ltd
  • 2017: i-Platform for microbiota analysis and visualisation *; Swinburne Research, DVCR&D - Internal contributions
  • 2017: Modern diets and the maintenance of optimal mood and cognitive functioning through nutraceutical supplementation *; Swisse Wellness Group
  • 2017: Nutrition/cognitive and nutrition/executive performance in healthy children *; Nestec
  • 2016: Effects of 4 weeks supplementation with a multi-vitamin/mineral preparation on neurocognitive function: A randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled trialBABE 3 *; Bayer Consumer Care AG
  • 2016: Gift from Red Bull Australia Pty Ltd *; Red Bull
  • 2014: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial investigating the effects of two nutraceutical combination formulas on mental fatigue, mood and neurocognitive performance in healthy adults *; LifeVantage Corporation
  • 2014: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel trial investigating the neurocognitive effects of a proprietary spearmint extract in healthy older adults *; Kemin Foods LC
  • 2014: Kava for the Treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A 16-Week Double-Blind RCT *; NHMRC Project Grants
  • 2013: A double-blind placebo-controlled trial of Lactium and Zizyphus complex for sleep *; Sanofi Aventis
  • 2013: Assessment of anti-stress, behavioural and neurophysiological effects of L-theanine: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial *; Neurobrands LLC
  • 2013: Controlled Trials in ‘At Risk’ Humans to Establish the Cognitive Benefits of a Nutrient Mixture and Underlying Mechanisms of Action  - the Cognitive Aging, Nutrition and Neurogenesis (C.A.N.N.) trial. *; Centre for Nutrition, Learning, and Memory (CNLM) Grand Challenge Grant App 2013
  • 2012: Effects of 4 week supplementation with a multi-vitamin/mineral preparation on brain function assessed with SST and fMRI during periods of mental effort *; Bayer Consumer Care AG
  • 2012: GSK Green Tea Study *; GlaxoSmithKline Nutritional Healthcare
  • 2012: Investigation into the acute and chronic effects of longvida curcumin on inflammation, cognitive function and mood on an elderly population *; Verdure Sciences
  • 2011: An investigation into the effects of glucose alone and caffeine and glucose in combination on cognitive performance, fatigue, stress and mood associated with extended multi-tasking *; SmithKline Beecham Limited
  • 2011: An investigation into the effects of glucose and caffeine on multitasking, mood and fMRI regional activation *; GlaxoSmithKline Nutritional Healthcare
  • 2011: The neurocognitive effects of Berocca and Berocca Boost *; Bayer Consumer Care AG
  • 2011: To assess the effects of a daily moderate amount of resveratrol-enhanced red wine on cognitive performance and localised cerebral blood flow variables in (elderly) older adults *; Australian Wine Research Institute
  • 2011: Weight reduction effects of supplementation with 1g and 500mg SolaThin *; Cyvex Nutrition Inc
  • 2010: A study of the acute cognitive and neurocognitive effects of Panax quinquefolius (Cereboost, Naturex) in middle-aged volunteers *; Naturex
  • 2010: The acute effects of chlorogenic acid on cognitive function and mood in healthy older adults *; Nestec
  • 2009: An evaluation of the cognitive effects of malt extract and sucrose in children after an exercise challenge *; Nestec
  • 2008: Factors influencing mood and cognitive effects of chewing gum *; Wrigley
  • 2008: The role of glucoregulatory processes in the congnition-enhancing effects of selected botanicals. *; Naturex

* Chief Investigator


Recent media