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Brain Research Unit (BRU)

The Brain Research Unit (BRU) at the University of Cape Coast is a premier hub for neuroscientific inquiry. We are dedicated to advancing our understanding of the human brain within the unique socio-cultural and genetic landscape of Ghana.

As the global burden of neurological and neurodegenerative disorders shifts toward low- and middle-income countries, our focus remains on ensuring that the future of brain health is inclusive, equitable, and globally representative The University of Cape Coast’s Brain Research Unit seeks to understand the evolving epidemiology of neurocognitive disorders in Ghana as well as investigate its genetic basis, associations, treatment outcomes and advance locally appropriate diagnostic technologies.

The unit is undertaking training of the next generation of graduate and postgraduate neuroscientists and supporting public understanding of the importance of neurocognitive disorders. We seek to position ourselves as a reliable, effective international collaborative partner in the pursuit of knowledge around the human brain and its disorders

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Dr. David Larbi Simpong 

Neuroscientist

Dr. David Larbi Simpong is a Neuroscientist with research interests in neurodegeneration, aging, dementia and translational neuroscience. He leads the Brain Research Unit with a vision to advance brain health research in Africa through innovation, collaboration and capacity building.

BRAIN RESEARCH COLLABORATORS

Postgraduate Training & Assistants

👤 Maxwell Hurbert Antwi
👤 George Nkrumah Osei
👤 Linus Kpelle
👤 Albertha Adu
👤 Kabutey Nartey
👤 Foster Appiah
👤 David Mawutor Donkor
👤 Esther Marfo
👤 John Doga

OUR CORE RESEARCH PILLARS

Neurodegeneration & Aging

Characterizing the unique trajectories of Alzheimer’s and related dementias in Ghana.

Neuropsychological tools

Pioneering the adaptation and validation of culturally sensitive neuropsychological tools

Digital Health Innovation

Mobile technology for diagnostic access and treatment in remote communities

Genomic Research

Exploring the genomic architecture of the Ghana populations to identify novel dementia related biomarkers and therapeutic

Recent Publications

📘

Association between lipid levels and dementia risk among older Ghanaian adults 

Appiah F, Simpong DL, Marfo E, Osei GN, Antwi MH, Manu KS, Dogah J, Bockarie A. (2026)
📘

Population disparities in Alzheimer’s disease: A systematic review of fluid and neuroimaging biomarkers 

Kpelle, L., Bockarie, A., Antwi, M. H., Osei, G. N., Donkor, D. M., Brodie-Mends, D., Adu, A. M., & Simpong, D. L. (2026)
📘

Pattern of Central Nervous System Related Diseases and Deaths: A 10-year Study in a Ghanaian Tertiary Care Facility 

Bockarie, A., Mills, R.O., Ulzen-Appiah, K., Akpalu, A., Smith-Togobo, C., Frimpong, B.A., Obeng-Ofosu, I., Osei, G.N., Bentil, J.A., Adu, P. & Simpong, D.L. (2025)
📘

Diagnostic potential of near-infrared spectroscopy in mild cognitive impairment and neurodegenerative disorders: Implications for resource-limited settings 

Osei, G. N., Bockarie, A., Akpalu, A., Adueming, P. O.-W., Antwi, M. H., Appiah, F., Kpelle, L., Donkor, D. M., & Simpong, D. L. (2025)
📘

Genetic and environmental risk factors for dementia in African adults: A systematic review 

Donkor, D. M., Marfo, E., Bockarie, A., Tettevi, E. J., Antwi, M. H., Dogah, J., Osei, G. N., & Simpong, D. L. (2025)
📘

Antibiotic-Induced Gut Dysbiosis Modulates Alzheimer’s Disease-Associated Gene Expression and Protein Aggregation in 3xTg-AD Mice via the Gut-Brain Axis 

Tettevi, E. J., Simpong, D. L., Maina, M., Adjei, S., Asuming-Brempong, E., Osei-Atweneboana, M. Y., & Ocloo, A. (2025)
📘

Evaluation of sleep quality and its determinants among individuals with diabetes mellitus and/or hypertension: A cross-sectional study 

Dogah, J., Bockarie, A., Kunkah, E. K., Boampong, A. A., Osei, G. N., Gyimah, K. B., Teye, S., Marfo, E., Donkor, D. M., & Simpong, D. L. (2025)
📘

Exploration of demographic prevalence of mild cognitive impairment using Montreal Cognitive Assessment: A cross-sectional pilot study in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana 

Simpong, D. L., Osei, G. N., Mills, R. O., Anyebem, C. A., Aikins, B. K., Melfah, C. G., Osei, B. A., & Bockarie, A. (2024)
📘

In Silico Identification of a Potential TNF-Alpha Binder Using Structural Similarity: A Potential Drug Repurposing Approach to the Management of Alzheimer’s Disease 

Tettevi, E. J., Kuevi, D. N. O., Sumabe, B. K., Simpong, D. L., Maina, M. B., Dongdem, J. T., Osei-Atweneboana, M. Y., & Ocloo, A. (2024)

WHY PARTNER WITH US?

🗂️
Longitudinal Ghanaian Cohort Access
🌍
Global Research Collaborations
🔬
Clinical + Molecular + Digital Integration
🛠️
Culturally Sensitive Innovations
Join us in advancing brain health research
in Africa and beyond.

PARTNER WITH US