Let’s stop waiting for health challenges like Alzheimer’s or macular degeneration to strike. We can take charge and help reduce the risk of it happening in the first place. My secret weapon? Good nutrition. It’s all about preventative nutrition and making healthy lifestyle choices to future-proof your brain and eyes.
Growing up in Carrick-on-Suir, Ireland, I was more of a sports fanatic than a bookworm. You name it, I played it! School was tough, undiagnosed dyslexia made things a lot harder. But science? Science always made sense.
I pursued my studies at the Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT), now the South East Technological University (SETU), where I obtained my primary degree in science in 2001. It was during this time that I realised I truly loved science and wanted to use it to help people. This led me to my PhD work, focusing on the link between nutrition and vision.
Fast forward to today, and I’ve spent over 20 years leading research teams, uncovering the links between nutrition and eye health. After completing my PhD at WIT in 2005, I was honoured to be awarded a Fulbright Scholarship, allowing me to conduct research at the Medical College of Georgia in the US. We’ve made some exciting discoveries, like how special nutrients called macular carotenoids, such as lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin, can supercharge your vision and protect against age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
My research now also focuses on how nutrition impacts your brain health, helping to reduce the risk of cognitive decline and even Alzheimer’s disease.
I’m passionate about taking my discoveries out of the petri dish and into people’s lives. How? By translating complex science into easy-to-understand nutritional and lifestyle advice that you can use every day. Think of it as “Health 3.0” – taking control of your health proactively.
When I’m not in the lab, you’ll find me spending time with my wife, Jane, and our two wonderful daughters, Penny and Bea. I still love sport and exercise and you can bet you’ll find me cheering on Liverpool FC and the Tipperary hurlers whenever they play.
If you would like to learn how to fuel your body and mind for a lifetime of good health, you’ve come to the right place. Follow the links below to discover more about Health 3.0 or visit the Education Hub to begin your journey to better health.
I pursued my PhD at WIT, focusing on "Determinants of Macular Pigment in Healthy Subjects," exploring the fascinating link between nutrition and its impact on eye health.
A first-of-its-kind trial, the Re-MIND study, demonstrated the benefits of supplementing the diets of early to mid-stage Alzheimer’s patients with carotenoids, omega-3s, and vitamin E.
My 2024 study revealed that supplementation with lutein, zeaxanthin, meso-zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids has significant benefits for cardiometabolic disease, including lowering the risk of fat and cholesterol on artery walls.
Much more to come ...
