Turku Mood & Memory Lab

Discovering New Frontiers in Mood and Memory Research

About

The Turku Mood and Memory Lab, established in 2024, is a non-profit neuroscience research laboratory at the University of Turku. Our research focuses on the connections between psychiatric disorders and symptoms, such as depression and anxiety, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). By utilizing both the invaluable information gathered by the FinnBrain Birth Cohort study as well as diverse brain imaging datasets and the use of cutting-edge analysis methods, we aim to produce valuable scientific information that could aid in early risk detection and prevention of memory disorders.

Key areas of our current research include:

Joint hereditary risk factors for psychiatric symptoms and memory disorders
Mechanisms connecting depressive and anxiety symptoms and Alzheimer's disease
The role of previous depression and anxiety in the risk for mild cognitive impairment and its conversion into a memory disease

Our goal is to enhance early identification and intervention strategies especially for depression and Alzheimer's disease, ultimately improving prevention and management of these conditions. Led by experts in psychiatric and neurodegenerative research, we are committed to pioneering studies that improve the quality of life for those affected.

Meet the Team

Our team at the Turku Mood and Memory Lab is a combination of expertise and future talent.

Common traits that unite us as a team are the willingness to help others, integrity and curiosity. Our working culture is characterised by a combination of hard work and deserved relaxation, we believe in that maintaining balance in all aspects of life is the key for long-term success. Our aim is to contribute to a healthier tomorrow for humanity, one published paper at a time.

Principal Investigator

Noora Scheinin

Associate Professor and Chief Physician,
Department of Psychiatry, University of Turku and Satakunta Wellbeing Services County

The principal investigator Noora has extensive experience in researching both memory disorders and psychiatric symptomatology, along with strong expertise in epidemiology as well as imaging and other biomarker research methods (See publications). Noora loves to wind down in the wilderness, sailing or picking mushrooms, and by spending time with family.

PhD Student

Sarah Kline

MSc in Human Neuroscience, University of Turku

Sarah is a doctoral student in clinical research and has extensive experience working in an EEG lab. Her research interests encompass Alzheimer’s disease, Social Neuroscience, Autism, and Mood Disorders. Currently she's engaged in a Turku Mood and Memory Lab project involving a large memory disorder MRI dataset and its segmentation methodology.

Project Researcher

Matias Mäkinen

MSc in Economics & Business Administration
MSc student in Human Neuroscience, University of Turku

Matias has a multidisciplinary background, previously majoring in Information Systems Science at Turku School of Economics. Currently he's doing a thesis on the connections between depression, anxiety and Alzheimer's disease. Matias has good presentation, writing and data skills acquired in both academia and industry. His favourite ways of relaxation are playing tennis and doing sauna.

MD Student

Anna Rask

Bachelor of Medicine, University of Turku

Anna is a fourth-year medical student at the University of Turku, conducting her advanced studies in the Turku Mood and Memory Lab. Her current goal is to compile a comprehensive scientific literature review on the connections between earlier depression and later memory disorders. Anna likes to let go by running, singing and spending time with loved ones.

MD Student

Enni Ylä-Jarkko

Bachelor of Medicine, University of Turku

Enni is a fourth-year medical student and a Bachelor of Medicine at the University of Turku. At the moment she's very interested in neurology and mood disorders. Her most recent project is an advanced studies thesis, which involves modern brain MRI analysis methods for big data sets. On her free time Enni finds herself at ease when reading or painting.

Research partners

From the many renowned collaborators who are aiding in our research efforts we have highlighted a few key people here. We will have an update here soon.

Harri Merisaari

PhD, Adjunct Professor in Medical Image Analysis

Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University of Turku
Turku Brain and Mind Center, University of Turku