Dr Claudia Metzler-Baddeley
- Available for postgraduate supervision
Teams and roles for Claudia Metzler-Baddeley
Reader in Cognitive Neuroscience & Applied Brain Imaging, NIHR/HCRW Advanced Research Fellow, Lead for Cognitive Neuroscience
Overview
Research summary
My research focuses on the cognitive and neural mechanisms of ageing and neurodegeneration (Alzheimer's disease, Lewy body disease, Huntington's disease) and on translating findings on neuroplasticity, learning, and memory into complex interventions to help prevent and manage cognitive aging and dementia. My research group uses advanced quantitative multi-parametric MRI techniques to probe brain tissue microstructure with the aim to identify early biomarkers and surrogate imaging marker for clinical trials.
My research group is exploring music-based interventions, which involve the acquisition of complex sensory-motor skills as training approach for cognitive and motor functions in aging and neurodegeneration. We have co-designed a tablet-based rhythmic movement training application (HD-DRUM) to stimulate cognitive and motor functions in people with movement disorders due to Huntington's disease (HD) or Parkinson's disease (DRUM project) as well as a remote piano training (PIANO-Cog) for older adults. Both are currently being assessed in feasibility trials including clinical and MRI assessments.
To study brain phenotypes of aging and dementia risk in asymptomatic adults, I have led the Cardiff Ageing and Risk of Dementia Study (CARDS) that has discovered novel interactions between APOE4 carrier status and obesity on white and grey matter limbic regions suggestive of tissue damage due to inflammation and cardiovascular symptoms.
Publication
2025
- Chandler, H. L. et al. 2025. Imaging brain vascular function in Cystic Fibrosis: an MRI study of cerebral blood flow and brain oxygenation. Journal of Cystic Fibrosis (10.1016/j.jcf.2025.08.010)
- Hiscox, L. V. et al. 2025. MR elastography reveals lower hippocampal stiffness in middle-aged APOE ε4 carriers without cognitive impairment. Presented at: International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM) Hawaii, USA. 10-15 May 2025. Proceedings of the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine - Scientific Meeting and Exhibition. , pp.0791. (10.58530/2025/0791)
- Ioakeimidis, V. et al. 2025. In vivo mapping of striatal microstructure in Huntington's disease with Soma and Neurite Density Imaging. [Online].MedRxiv: MedRxiv. Available at: https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.03.17.25324107v1.
- Ioakeimidis, V. et al. 2025. In vivo mapping of striatal neurodegeneration in Huntington's disease with Soma and Neurite Density Imaging. eLife 14 RP107661. (10.7554/eLife.107661.1)
- Rogers, F. , Ege, and Metzler-Baddeley, C. 2025. Protocol for an unblinded randomised controlled feasibility trial of Piano Instruction for Adult Novices as Online Cognitive intervention (PIANO-Cog), a novel remote piano training for cognitive and motor functions in older age. Pilot and Feasibility Studies
- Short, E. et al., 2025. Defining an ageing-related pathology, disease or syndrome: International Consensus Statement. GeroScience 47 , pp.1713-1720. (10.1007/s11357-024-01315-9)
2024
- Ioakeimidis, V. et al. 2024. Protocol for a randomised controlled unblinded feasibility trial of HD-DRUM, a rhythmic movement training application for cognitive and motor symptoms in people with Huntington’s disease. BMJ Open 14 (7) e082161. (10.1136/bmjopen-2023-082161)
- Revie, L. and Metzler-Baddeley, C. 2024. Age-related fornix decline predicts conservative response strategy-based slowing in perceptual decision-making. Aging Brain 5 100106. (10.1016/j.nbas.2024.100106)
- Rogers, F. and Metzler-Baddeley, C. 2024. The effects of musical instrument training on fluid intelligence and executive functions in healthy older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Brain and Cognition 175 106137. (10.1016/j.bandc.2024.106137)
2023
- Casella, C. et al. 2023. Differences in white matter detected by ex vivo 9.4T MRI are associated with axonal changes in the R6/1 model of Huntington’s Disease. [Online].BioRXiv: BioRXiv. (10.1101/2023.10.02.560424)Available at: https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.10.02.560424.
- Ioakeimidis, V. et al. 2023. Protocol for a randomised controlled feasibility trial of HD-DRUM, a rhythmic movement training application for cognitive and motor symptoms in people with Huntington's disease. [Online].medRxiv: medRxiv. (10.1101/2023.11.15.23298581)Available at: https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.11.15.23298581.
- Metzler-Baddeley, C. et al. 2023. Applying an integrated knowledge translation framework approach to develop a tablet-based rhythmic movement training intervention for people with Huntington’s disease. [Online].JMIR Preprints. (10.2196/preprints.48395)Available at: https://preprints.jmir.org/preprint/48395.
- Metzler-Baddeley, C. et al. 2023. HD-DRUM, a tablet-based drumming training App intervention for people with Huntington Disease: App development study. Journal of Medical Internet Research 2023 (7) e48395. (10.2196/48395)
- Revie, L. and Metzler-Baddeley, C. 2023. Age-related fornix decline predicts conservative response strategy-based slowing in perceptual decision-making. [Online].bioRXiv. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.11.15.567204.
2022
- Casella, C. et al. 2022. Mutation-related magnetization-transfer, not axon density, drives white matter differences in premanifest Huntington's disease: Evidence from in vivo ultra-strong gradient MRI. Human Brain Mapping 43 (11), pp.3439-3460. (10.1002/hbm.25859)
- Clarke, H. et al. 2022. Dementia risk factors modify hubs but leave other connectivity measures unchanged in asymptomatic individuals: a graph theoretical analysis. Brain Connectivity 12 (1), pp.26-40. (10.1089/brain.2020.0935)
- Coad, B. et al. 2022. Apolipoprotein ε4 modifies obesity-related atrophy in the hippocampal formation of cognitively healthy adults. Neurobiology of Aging 113 , pp.39-54. (10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2022.02.004)
- Lipp, I. et al. 2022. Investigating the Anatomy and Microstructure of the Dentato-rubro-thalamic and Subthalamo-ponto-cerebellar Tracts in Parkinson's Disease. Frontiers in Neurology 13 793693. (10.3389/fneur.2022.793693)
- Metzler-Baddeley, C. et al. 2022. HD-DRUM – a novel computerised drumming training for movement and cognitive abilities in people with Huntington’s disease – app development and protocol of a randomised controlled feasibility study. Presented at: EHDN 2022 Plenary Meeting Bologna, Italy 16-18 September 2022. Vol. 93.Vol. S1. , pp.A100-A101. (10.1136/jnnp-2022-ehdn.267)
2021
- Casella, C. et al. 2021. Mutation-related apparent myelin, not axon density, drives white matter differences in premanifest Huntington's disease: evidence from in vivo ultra-strong gradient MRI. [Online].bioRxiv. (10.1101/2021.11.29.469517)Available at: https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.11.29.469517.
- Casella, C. et al. 2021. Multi-compartment analysis of the complex gradient-echo signal quantifies myelin breakdown in premanifest Huntington's disease. NeuroImage: Clinical 30 102658. (10.1016/j.nicl.2021.102658)
- Coad, B. M. et al. 2021. Apolipoprotein ε4 modifies obesity-related atrophy in the hippocampal formation of cognitively healthy adults. [Online].bioRxiv. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.11.12.468385.
2020
- Casella, C. et al. 2020. Drumming motor sequence training induces apparent myelin remodelling in Huntington’s disease: a longitudinal diffusion MRI and quantitative magnetization transfer study. Journal of Huntington's Disease 9 (3), pp.303-320. (10.3233/JHD-200424)
- Casella, C. et al. 2020. A critical review of white matter changes in Huntington’s disease. Movement Disorders 35 (8), pp.1302-1311. (10.1002/mds.28109)
- Coad, B. et al. 2020. Precommissural and postcommissural fornix microstructure in healthy aging and cognition. Brain and Neuroscience Advances 4 , pp.1-12. (10.1177/2398212819899316)
- Mole, J. P. et al., 2020. APOE-e4-related differences in left thalamic microstructure in cognitively healthy adults. Scientific Reports 10 19787. (10.1038/s41598-020-75992-9)
- Mole, J. P. et al., 2020. Genetic risk of dementia modifies obesity effects on white matter myelin in cognitively healthy adults. Neurobiology of Aging 94 , pp.298-310. (10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2020.06.014)
- Revie, L. et al. 2020. A review of the perceptual and attentional-executive characteristics of dementia with Lewy bodies relative to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. PsyArXiv
- Revie, L. et al. 2020. Visuo-perceptual and decision-making contributions to visual hallucinations in mild cognitive impairment in Lewy body disease: insights from a drift diffusion analysis. Brain Sciences 10 (8) 540. (10.3390/brainsci10080540)
- Yhnell, E. et al. 2020. A randomised feasibility study of computerised cognitive training as a therapeutic intervention for people with Huntington's disease (CogTrainHD). Pilot and Feasibility Studies 6 88. (10.1186/s40814-020-00623-z)
2019
- Bourbon Teles, J. et al., 2019. Myelin breakdown in human Huntington's disease: multi-modal evidence from diffusion MRI and quantitative magnetization transfer. Neuroscience 403 , pp.79-92. (10.1016/j.neuroscience.2017.05.042)
- Hartopp, N. et al., 2019. A key role for subiculum-fornix connectivity in recollection in older age. Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience 12 70. (10.3389/fnsys.2018.00070)
- Metzler-Baddeley, C. et al. 2019. Sex-specific effects of central adiposity and inflammatory markers on limbic microstructure. NeuroImage 189 , pp.793-803. (10.1016/j.neuroimage.2019.02.007)
- Metzler-Baddeley, C. et al. 2019. Fornix white matter glia damage causes hippocampal gray matter damage during age-dependent limbic decline. Scientific Reports 9 1060. (10.1038/s41598-018-37658-5)
2018
- Bubb, E. , Metzler-Baddeley, C. and Aggleton, J. 2018. The cingulum bundle: anatomy, function, and dysfunction. Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews 92 , pp.104-127. (10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.05.008)
- Caeyenberghs, K. et al. 2018. Evidence for training-dependent structural neuroplasticity in brain-injured patients: A critical review. Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair 32 (2), pp.99-114. (10.1177/1545968317753076)
- Furby, H. et al. 2018. Using 3T MRI to explore myelin break-down in pre-symptomatic huntington’s disease. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry 89 (S1), pp.A37-A38. E06. (10.1136/jnnp-2018-EHDN.100)
- Yhnell, E. et al. 2018. Exploring computerised cognitive training as a therapeutic intervention for people with Huntington's disease (CogTrainHD): protocol for a randomised feasibility study. Pilot and Feasibility Studies 4 45. (10.1186/s40814-018-0237-0)
2017
- Gan, C. L. et al., 2017. Association of imaging abnormalities of the subcallosal septal area with Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment. Clinical Radiology 72 (11), pp.915-922. (10.1016/j.crad.2017.04.021)
- Metzler-Baddeley, C. et al. 2017. Dynamics of white matter plasticity underlying working memory training: Multi-modal evidence from diffusion MRI and relaxometry. Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience 29 (9), pp.1509-1520. (10.1162/jocn_a_01127)
2016
- Caeyenberghs, K. et al., 2016. Dynamics of the human structural connectome underlying working memory training. Journal of Neuroscience 36 (14), pp.4056-4066. (10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1973-15.2016)
- Christiansen, K. et al. 2016. The status of the precommissural and postcommissural fornix in normal ageing and mild cognitive impairment: An MRI tractography study. NeuroImage 130 , pp.35-47. (10.1016/j.neuroimage.2015.12.055)
- Christiansen, K. et al. 2016. Topographic separation of fornical fibers associated with the anterior and posterior hippocampus in the human brain: an MRI-diffusion study. Brain and Behavior 7 (1)(10.1002/brb3.604)
- Metzler-Baddeley, C. et al. 2016. Longitudinal data on cortical thickness before and after working memory training. Data in Brief 7 , pp.1143-1147. (10.1016/j.dib.2016.03.090)
- Metzler-Baddeley, C. et al. 2016. Task complexity and location specific changes of cortical thickness in executive and salience networks after working memory training. NeuroImage 130 , pp.48-62. (10.1016/j.neuroimage.2016.01.007)
- Mole, J. P. et al. 2016. Increased fractional anisotropy in the motor tracts of Parkinson's disease suggests compensatory neuroplasticity or selective neurodegeneration. European Radiology 26 (10), pp.3327-3335. (10.1007/s00330-015-4178-1)
- Rok, B. et al., 2016. Global efficiency of structural networks mediates cognitive control in Mild Cognitive Impairment. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience 8 292. (10.3389/fnagi.2016.00292)
2015
- Gomez, P. A. et al., 2015. Joint reconstruction of multi-contrast MRI for Multiple Sclerosis lesion segmentation. Bildverarbeitung fuer die Medizin 2015 , pp.155-160. (10.1007/978-3-662-46224-9_28)
- Kehoe, E. G. et al., 2015. Fornix white matter is correlated with resting state functional connectivity of the thalamus and hippocampus in healthy aging but not in mild cognitive impairment- a preliminary study. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience 7 10. (10.3389/fnagi.2015.00010)
- Ray, N. J. et al., 2015. Cholinergic basal forebrain structure influences the reconfiguration of white matter connections to support residual memory in mild cognitive impairment. Journal of Neuroscience 35 (2), pp.739-747. (10.1523/JNEUROSCI.3617-14.2015)
2014
- Berlot, R. et al., 2014. CSF contamination contributes to apparent microstructural alterations in mild cognitive impairment. NeuroImage 92 , pp.27-35. (10.1016/j.neuroimage.2014.01.031)
- Metzler-Baddeley, C. et al. 2014. Improved executive function and callosal white matter microstructure after rhythmn exercise in Huntington's disease. Journal of Huntington's Disease 3 (3), pp.273-283. (10.3233/JHD-140113)
2013
- Metzler-Baddeley, C. et al. 2013. Individual differences in fornix microstructure and body mass index. PLoS ONE 8 (3) e59849. (10.1371/journal.pone.0059849)
2012
- Metzler-Baddeley, C. et al. 2012. Temporal association tracts and the breakdown of episodic memory in mild cognitive impairment. Neurology 79 (23), pp.2233-2240. (10.1212/WNL.0b013e31827689e8)
- Metzler-Baddeley, C. et al. 2012. Cingulum microstructure predicts cognitive control in older age and mild cognitive impairment. Journal of Neuroscience 32 (49), pp.17612-17619. (10.1523/JNEUROSCI.3299-12.2012)
- Metzler-Baddeley, C. et al. 2012. How and how not to correct for CSF-contamination in diffusion MRI. Neuroimage 59 (2), pp.1394-1403. (10.1016/j.neuroimage.2011.08.043)
2011
- Metzler-Baddeley, C. et al. 2011. The fornix in ageing and memory decline: a diffusion MRI tractography study. Journal of Neurology 258 (S1), pp.18-18. (10.1007/s00415-011-6026-9)
- Metzler-Baddeley, C. et al. 2011. Frontotemporal connections in episodic memory and aging: A diffusion MRI tractography study. The Journal of Neuroscience 31 (37), pp.13236-13245. (10.1523/JNEUROSCI.2317-11.2011)
2010
- Laffan, A. J. et al., 2010. Making errorless learning more active: Self-generation in an error free learning context is superior to standard errorless learning of face-name associations in people with Alzheimer's disease. Neuropsychological Rehabilitation 20 (2), pp.197-211. (10.1080/09602010903202432)
- Metzler-Baddeley, C. et al. 2010. Visual impairments in dementia with Lewy bodies and posterior cortical atrophy.. Neuropsychology 24 (1), pp.35-48. (10.1037/a0016834)
- Metzler-Baddeley, C. and Jones, R. W. 2010. Brief Communication: Cognitive Rehabilitation of Executive Functioning in a Case of Craniopharyngioma. Applied Neuropsychology 17 (4), pp.299-304. (10.1080/09084282.2010.523394)
2009
- Metzler-Baddeley, C. and Baddeley, R. J. 2009. Does adaptive training work?. Applied Cognitive Psychology 23 (2), pp.254-266. (10.1002/acp.1454)
- Metzler-Baddeley, C. et al. 2009. Visual impairment in posterior cortical atrophy and dementia with lewy bodies [Abstract]. Alzheimer's and Dementia 5 (4), pp.P458. (10.1016/j.jalz.2009.04.862)
2008
- Metzler-Baddeley, C. , Salter, A. and Jones, R. W. 2008. The significance of dyslexia screening for the assessment of dementia in older people. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry 23 (7), pp.766-768. (10.1002/gps.1957)
2007
- Metzler-Baddeley, C. 2007. A Review of Cognitive Impairments in Dementia with Lewy Bodies Relative to Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease with Dementia. Cortex 43 (5), pp.583-600. (10.1016/S0010-9452(08)70489-1)
2005
- Metzler-Baddeley, C. and Snowden, J. S. 2005. Brief Report: Errorless versus Errorful Learning as a Memory Rehabilitation Approach in Alzheimer's Disease. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology 27 (8), pp.1070-1079. (10.1080/13803390490919164)
2001
- Metzler-Baddeley, C. 2001. Effects of left frontal lesions on the selection of context-appropriate meanings. Neuropsychology 15 (3), pp.315-328. (10.1037/0894-4105.15.3.315)
- Metzler-Baddeley, C. 2001. Location negative priming may be abolished in older age. Zeitschrift für Gerontopsychologie & -psychiatrie 14 (4), pp.187-202. (10.1024//1011-6877.14.4.187)
2000
- Metzler-Baddeley, C. and Parkin, A. J. 2000. Reversed negative priming following frontal lobe lesions. Neuropsychologia 38 (4), pp.363-379. (10.1016/S0028-3932(99)00097-4)
1996
- Parkin, A. J. et al., 1996. Pathological false alarm rates following damage to the left frontal cortex. Brain and Cognition 32 (1), pp.14-27. (10.1006/brcg.1996.0055)
Articles
- Berlot, R. et al., 2014. CSF contamination contributes to apparent microstructural alterations in mild cognitive impairment. NeuroImage 92 , pp.27-35. (10.1016/j.neuroimage.2014.01.031)
- Bourbon Teles, J. et al., 2019. Myelin breakdown in human Huntington's disease: multi-modal evidence from diffusion MRI and quantitative magnetization transfer. Neuroscience 403 , pp.79-92. (10.1016/j.neuroscience.2017.05.042)
- Bubb, E. , Metzler-Baddeley, C. and Aggleton, J. 2018. The cingulum bundle: anatomy, function, and dysfunction. Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews 92 , pp.104-127. (10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.05.008)
- Caeyenberghs, K. et al. 2018. Evidence for training-dependent structural neuroplasticity in brain-injured patients: A critical review. Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair 32 (2), pp.99-114. (10.1177/1545968317753076)
- Caeyenberghs, K. et al., 2016. Dynamics of the human structural connectome underlying working memory training. Journal of Neuroscience 36 (14), pp.4056-4066. (10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1973-15.2016)
- Casella, C. et al. 2020. Drumming motor sequence training induces apparent myelin remodelling in Huntington’s disease: a longitudinal diffusion MRI and quantitative magnetization transfer study. Journal of Huntington's Disease 9 (3), pp.303-320. (10.3233/JHD-200424)
- Casella, C. et al. 2022. Mutation-related magnetization-transfer, not axon density, drives white matter differences in premanifest Huntington's disease: Evidence from in vivo ultra-strong gradient MRI. Human Brain Mapping 43 (11), pp.3439-3460. (10.1002/hbm.25859)
- Casella, C. et al. 2021. Multi-compartment analysis of the complex gradient-echo signal quantifies myelin breakdown in premanifest Huntington's disease. NeuroImage: Clinical 30 102658. (10.1016/j.nicl.2021.102658)
- Casella, C. et al. 2020. A critical review of white matter changes in Huntington’s disease. Movement Disorders 35 (8), pp.1302-1311. (10.1002/mds.28109)
- Chandler, H. L. et al. 2025. Imaging brain vascular function in Cystic Fibrosis: an MRI study of cerebral blood flow and brain oxygenation. Journal of Cystic Fibrosis (10.1016/j.jcf.2025.08.010)
- Christiansen, K. et al. 2016. The status of the precommissural and postcommissural fornix in normal ageing and mild cognitive impairment: An MRI tractography study. NeuroImage 130 , pp.35-47. (10.1016/j.neuroimage.2015.12.055)
- Christiansen, K. et al. 2016. Topographic separation of fornical fibers associated with the anterior and posterior hippocampus in the human brain: an MRI-diffusion study. Brain and Behavior 7 (1)(10.1002/brb3.604)
- Clarke, H. et al. 2022. Dementia risk factors modify hubs but leave other connectivity measures unchanged in asymptomatic individuals: a graph theoretical analysis. Brain Connectivity 12 (1), pp.26-40. (10.1089/brain.2020.0935)
- Coad, B. et al. 2020. Precommissural and postcommissural fornix microstructure in healthy aging and cognition. Brain and Neuroscience Advances 4 , pp.1-12. (10.1177/2398212819899316)
- Coad, B. et al. 2022. Apolipoprotein ε4 modifies obesity-related atrophy in the hippocampal formation of cognitively healthy adults. Neurobiology of Aging 113 , pp.39-54. (10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2022.02.004)
- Furby, H. et al. 2018. Using 3T MRI to explore myelin break-down in pre-symptomatic huntington’s disease. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry 89 (S1), pp.A37-A38. E06. (10.1136/jnnp-2018-EHDN.100)
- Gan, C. L. et al., 2017. Association of imaging abnormalities of the subcallosal septal area with Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment. Clinical Radiology 72 (11), pp.915-922. (10.1016/j.crad.2017.04.021)
- Gomez, P. A. et al., 2015. Joint reconstruction of multi-contrast MRI for Multiple Sclerosis lesion segmentation. Bildverarbeitung fuer die Medizin 2015 , pp.155-160. (10.1007/978-3-662-46224-9_28)
- Hartopp, N. et al., 2019. A key role for subiculum-fornix connectivity in recollection in older age. Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience 12 70. (10.3389/fnsys.2018.00070)
- Ioakeimidis, V. et al. 2024. Protocol for a randomised controlled unblinded feasibility trial of HD-DRUM, a rhythmic movement training application for cognitive and motor symptoms in people with Huntington’s disease. BMJ Open 14 (7) e082161. (10.1136/bmjopen-2023-082161)
- Ioakeimidis, V. et al. 2025. In vivo mapping of striatal neurodegeneration in Huntington's disease with Soma and Neurite Density Imaging. eLife 14 RP107661. (10.7554/eLife.107661.1)
- Kehoe, E. G. et al., 2015. Fornix white matter is correlated with resting state functional connectivity of the thalamus and hippocampus in healthy aging but not in mild cognitive impairment- a preliminary study. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience 7 10. (10.3389/fnagi.2015.00010)
- Laffan, A. J. et al., 2010. Making errorless learning more active: Self-generation in an error free learning context is superior to standard errorless learning of face-name associations in people with Alzheimer's disease. Neuropsychological Rehabilitation 20 (2), pp.197-211. (10.1080/09602010903202432)
- Lipp, I. et al. 2022. Investigating the Anatomy and Microstructure of the Dentato-rubro-thalamic and Subthalamo-ponto-cerebellar Tracts in Parkinson's Disease. Frontiers in Neurology 13 793693. (10.3389/fneur.2022.793693)
- Metzler-Baddeley, C. 2007. A Review of Cognitive Impairments in Dementia with Lewy Bodies Relative to Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease with Dementia. Cortex 43 (5), pp.583-600. (10.1016/S0010-9452(08)70489-1)
- Metzler-Baddeley, C. 2001. Effects of left frontal lesions on the selection of context-appropriate meanings. Neuropsychology 15 (3), pp.315-328. (10.1037/0894-4105.15.3.315)
- Metzler-Baddeley, C. 2001. Location negative priming may be abolished in older age. Zeitschrift für Gerontopsychologie & -psychiatrie 14 (4), pp.187-202. (10.1024//1011-6877.14.4.187)
- Metzler-Baddeley, C. and Baddeley, R. J. 2009. Does adaptive training work?. Applied Cognitive Psychology 23 (2), pp.254-266. (10.1002/acp.1454)
- Metzler-Baddeley, C. et al. 2013. Individual differences in fornix microstructure and body mass index. PLoS ONE 8 (3) e59849. (10.1371/journal.pone.0059849)
- Metzler-Baddeley, C. et al. 2009. Visual impairment in posterior cortical atrophy and dementia with lewy bodies [Abstract]. Alzheimer's and Dementia 5 (4), pp.P458. (10.1016/j.jalz.2009.04.862)
- Metzler-Baddeley, C. et al. 2010. Visual impairments in dementia with Lewy bodies and posterior cortical atrophy.. Neuropsychology 24 (1), pp.35-48. (10.1037/a0016834)
- Metzler-Baddeley, C. et al. 2023. HD-DRUM, a tablet-based drumming training App intervention for people with Huntington Disease: App development study. Journal of Medical Internet Research 2023 (7) e48395. (10.2196/48395)
- Metzler-Baddeley, C. et al. 2016. Longitudinal data on cortical thickness before and after working memory training. Data in Brief 7 , pp.1143-1147. (10.1016/j.dib.2016.03.090)
- Metzler-Baddeley, C. et al. 2016. Task complexity and location specific changes of cortical thickness in executive and salience networks after working memory training. NeuroImage 130 , pp.48-62. (10.1016/j.neuroimage.2016.01.007)
- Metzler-Baddeley, C. et al. 2014. Improved executive function and callosal white matter microstructure after rhythmn exercise in Huntington's disease. Journal of Huntington's Disease 3 (3), pp.273-283. (10.3233/JHD-140113)
- Metzler-Baddeley, C. et al. 2017. Dynamics of white matter plasticity underlying working memory training: Multi-modal evidence from diffusion MRI and relaxometry. Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience 29 (9), pp.1509-1520. (10.1162/jocn_a_01127)
- Metzler-Baddeley, C. et al. 2012. Temporal association tracts and the breakdown of episodic memory in mild cognitive impairment. Neurology 79 (23), pp.2233-2240. (10.1212/WNL.0b013e31827689e8)
- Metzler-Baddeley, C. et al. 2011. The fornix in ageing and memory decline: a diffusion MRI tractography study. Journal of Neurology 258 (S1), pp.18-18. (10.1007/s00415-011-6026-9)
- Metzler-Baddeley, C. et al. 2011. Frontotemporal connections in episodic memory and aging: A diffusion MRI tractography study. The Journal of Neuroscience 31 (37), pp.13236-13245. (10.1523/JNEUROSCI.2317-11.2011)
- Metzler-Baddeley, C. et al. 2012. Cingulum microstructure predicts cognitive control in older age and mild cognitive impairment. Journal of Neuroscience 32 (49), pp.17612-17619. (10.1523/JNEUROSCI.3299-12.2012)
- Metzler-Baddeley, C. and Jones, R. W. 2010. Brief Communication: Cognitive Rehabilitation of Executive Functioning in a Case of Craniopharyngioma. Applied Neuropsychology 17 (4), pp.299-304. (10.1080/09084282.2010.523394)
- Metzler-Baddeley, C. et al. 2019. Sex-specific effects of central adiposity and inflammatory markers on limbic microstructure. NeuroImage 189 , pp.793-803. (10.1016/j.neuroimage.2019.02.007)
- Metzler-Baddeley, C. et al. 2019. Fornix white matter glia damage causes hippocampal gray matter damage during age-dependent limbic decline. Scientific Reports 9 1060. (10.1038/s41598-018-37658-5)
- Metzler-Baddeley, C. et al. 2012. How and how not to correct for CSF-contamination in diffusion MRI. Neuroimage 59 (2), pp.1394-1403. (10.1016/j.neuroimage.2011.08.043)
- Metzler-Baddeley, C. and Parkin, A. J. 2000. Reversed negative priming following frontal lobe lesions. Neuropsychologia 38 (4), pp.363-379. (10.1016/S0028-3932(99)00097-4)
- Metzler-Baddeley, C. , Salter, A. and Jones, R. W. 2008. The significance of dyslexia screening for the assessment of dementia in older people. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry 23 (7), pp.766-768. (10.1002/gps.1957)
- Metzler-Baddeley, C. and Snowden, J. S. 2005. Brief Report: Errorless versus Errorful Learning as a Memory Rehabilitation Approach in Alzheimer's Disease. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology 27 (8), pp.1070-1079. (10.1080/13803390490919164)
- Mole, J. P. et al., 2020. APOE-e4-related differences in left thalamic microstructure in cognitively healthy adults. Scientific Reports 10 19787. (10.1038/s41598-020-75992-9)
- Mole, J. P. et al., 2020. Genetic risk of dementia modifies obesity effects on white matter myelin in cognitively healthy adults. Neurobiology of Aging 94 , pp.298-310. (10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2020.06.014)
- Mole, J. P. et al. 2016. Increased fractional anisotropy in the motor tracts of Parkinson's disease suggests compensatory neuroplasticity or selective neurodegeneration. European Radiology 26 (10), pp.3327-3335. (10.1007/s00330-015-4178-1)
- Parkin, A. J. et al., 1996. Pathological false alarm rates following damage to the left frontal cortex. Brain and Cognition 32 (1), pp.14-27. (10.1006/brcg.1996.0055)
- Ray, N. J. et al., 2015. Cholinergic basal forebrain structure influences the reconfiguration of white matter connections to support residual memory in mild cognitive impairment. Journal of Neuroscience 35 (2), pp.739-747. (10.1523/JNEUROSCI.3617-14.2015)
- Revie, L. et al. 2020. A review of the perceptual and attentional-executive characteristics of dementia with Lewy bodies relative to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. PsyArXiv
- Revie, L. et al. 2020. Visuo-perceptual and decision-making contributions to visual hallucinations in mild cognitive impairment in Lewy body disease: insights from a drift diffusion analysis. Brain Sciences 10 (8) 540. (10.3390/brainsci10080540)
- Revie, L. and Metzler-Baddeley, C. 2024. Age-related fornix decline predicts conservative response strategy-based slowing in perceptual decision-making. Aging Brain 5 100106. (10.1016/j.nbas.2024.100106)
- Rogers, F. , Ege, and Metzler-Baddeley, C. 2025. Protocol for an unblinded randomised controlled feasibility trial of Piano Instruction for Adult Novices as Online Cognitive intervention (PIANO-Cog), a novel remote piano training for cognitive and motor functions in older age. Pilot and Feasibility Studies
- Rogers, F. and Metzler-Baddeley, C. 2024. The effects of musical instrument training on fluid intelligence and executive functions in healthy older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Brain and Cognition 175 106137. (10.1016/j.bandc.2024.106137)
- Rok, B. et al., 2016. Global efficiency of structural networks mediates cognitive control in Mild Cognitive Impairment. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience 8 292. (10.3389/fnagi.2016.00292)
- Short, E. et al., 2025. Defining an ageing-related pathology, disease or syndrome: International Consensus Statement. GeroScience 47 , pp.1713-1720. (10.1007/s11357-024-01315-9)
- Yhnell, E. et al. 2018. Exploring computerised cognitive training as a therapeutic intervention for people with Huntington's disease (CogTrainHD): protocol for a randomised feasibility study. Pilot and Feasibility Studies 4 45. (10.1186/s40814-018-0237-0)
- Yhnell, E. et al. 2020. A randomised feasibility study of computerised cognitive training as a therapeutic intervention for people with Huntington's disease (CogTrainHD). Pilot and Feasibility Studies 6 88. (10.1186/s40814-020-00623-z)
Conferences
- Hiscox, L. V. et al. 2025. MR elastography reveals lower hippocampal stiffness in middle-aged APOE ε4 carriers without cognitive impairment. Presented at: International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM) Hawaii, USA. 10-15 May 2025. Proceedings of the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine - Scientific Meeting and Exhibition. , pp.0791. (10.58530/2025/0791)
- Metzler-Baddeley, C. et al. 2022. HD-DRUM – a novel computerised drumming training for movement and cognitive abilities in people with Huntington’s disease – app development and protocol of a randomised controlled feasibility study. Presented at: EHDN 2022 Plenary Meeting Bologna, Italy 16-18 September 2022. Vol. 93.Vol. S1. , pp.A100-A101. (10.1136/jnnp-2022-ehdn.267)
Websites
- Casella, C. et al. 2021. Mutation-related apparent myelin, not axon density, drives white matter differences in premanifest Huntington's disease: evidence from in vivo ultra-strong gradient MRI. [Online].bioRxiv. (10.1101/2021.11.29.469517)Available at: https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.11.29.469517.
- Casella, C. et al. 2023. Differences in white matter detected by ex vivo 9.4T MRI are associated with axonal changes in the R6/1 model of Huntington’s Disease. [Online].BioRXiv: BioRXiv. (10.1101/2023.10.02.560424)Available at: https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.10.02.560424.
- Coad, B. M. et al. 2021. Apolipoprotein ε4 modifies obesity-related atrophy in the hippocampal formation of cognitively healthy adults. [Online].bioRxiv. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.11.12.468385.
- Ioakeimidis, V. et al. 2023. Protocol for a randomised controlled feasibility trial of HD-DRUM, a rhythmic movement training application for cognitive and motor symptoms in people with Huntington's disease. [Online].medRxiv: medRxiv. (10.1101/2023.11.15.23298581)Available at: https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.11.15.23298581.
- Ioakeimidis, V. et al. 2025. In vivo mapping of striatal microstructure in Huntington's disease with Soma and Neurite Density Imaging. [Online].MedRxiv: MedRxiv. Available at: https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.03.17.25324107v1.
- Metzler-Baddeley, C. et al. 2023. Applying an integrated knowledge translation framework approach to develop a tablet-based rhythmic movement training intervention for people with Huntington’s disease. [Online].JMIR Preprints. (10.2196/preprints.48395)Available at: https://preprints.jmir.org/preprint/48395.
- Revie, L. and Metzler-Baddeley, C. 2023. Age-related fornix decline predicts conservative response strategy-based slowing in perceptual decision-making. [Online].bioRXiv. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.11.15.567204.
Research
Research topics and related papers
HD-DRUM: cognitive and motor training, brain plasticity, Huntington's disease
CARDS: Healthy and pathological ageing/ risk factors of dementia
Neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's disease, Lewy body disease, Huntington's disease)
Neuroglia models of ageing and neurodegeneration
Anatomy of limbic white matter pathways
Funding
Metzler-Baddeley, C (PI) (2022-2026) Development and feasibility randomised controlled pilot study of HD-DRUM – a novel motor sequence training app for people with Huntington’s disease. National Institute for Health Research (NIHR)/ Health Care and Research Wales (HCRW) Advanced Research Fellowship. £917,217.
Drew, C, Hamana, K, McLauchlan, D, Lewis, A, Pallmann, P, Jacob, N & Metzler-Baddeley, C (2024-2026). Evaluating the feasibility of a samba percussion inervention for people with Parkinson's disease (SParky Samba). Jacques & Gloria Gossweiler Foundation, £520,705.
Duckers, J et al (CoA) (2019) Cystic Fibrosis - Memory assessment and MRI screening. Health & Care Research Wales. £19,200.
Rosser, A, Busse, M & Metzler-Baddeley (2016) Exploring cognitive training as a non-pharmaceutical intervention for people with Huntington's disease. Jaque and Gloria Gossweiler Foundation. £94,714.
Metzler-Baddeley C (PI) (2014) How do individual differences in midlife adiposity and APOE genotype as risk factors for dementia affect brain structure and cognition? A cross-sectional MRI study. Alzheimer’s Society and BRACE Fellowship. £305,161.
Metzler-Baddeley, C (PI), Jones, DK, Rosser AE. (2014) Effects of a novel intervention on white matter microstructure and cognition in Huntington’s disease. NISCHR and Welcome Trust ISSF project grant. £69,769.
Research group
CUBRIC
Cognitive Neuroscience
Imaging Science
Research collaborators
- Professor Derek Jones (Cardiff)
- Professor David Linden (Cardiff)
- Professor Anne Rosser (Cardiff)
- Professor John Aggleton (Cardiff)
- Dr Seralynne Vann (Cardiff)
- Professor Monica Busse (Cardiff)
- Dr John Evans (Cardiff)
- Dr Rebecca Sims (Cardiff)
- Dr Emma Kidd (Cardiff)
- Fabrizio Fasano (Siemens)
- Dr Elizabeth Coulthard (Bristol)
- Dr Roland J Baddeley (Bristol)
- Professor Karen Caeyenberghs (Deakin University, Australia)
- Professor Michael O'Sullivan (University of Queensland, Australia)
- Professor Fernando Maestu (University of Madrid, Spain)
- Dr Michael Funke (University of Texas, USA)
- Professor Derek Hamilton (University of New Mexico, USA)
Media
- What does CUBRIC mean to you? https://youtu.be/1OB2krtm434
- Good evening Wales, BBC Radio Wales (11/12/2018)
- ITV Wales (23/04/18).
- BBC Wales http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-36286847,
- Guardian - https://www.theguardian.com/science/2016/aug/04/brains-of-overweight-people-look-ten-years-older-than-those-of-lean-peers (4/08/16)
- Panorama programme “Living with Dementia – Chris’ story broadcasted on BBC One (2/06/16).
- Pint of Science Event Cardiff on brain plasticity (11/05/18)
- BBC documentation on Terry Pratchett Living with Alzheimer’s, broadcast February 2009 https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00hhgsb
- BBC Radio 4 Memory Experience.
Teaching
I lecture on the BSc Psychology Year 1 modules Introduction to Psychology (PS1016), the Year 3 module Memory Processes and Disorders (PS3208), and MSc Topics in Psychology (PST720).
Biography
Undergraduate education
Psychology at Bonn University, Germany
Postgraduate education
D.Phil work on frontal attention deficits at Sussex University
Employment
NIHR/HCRW Advanced Research Fellow (2022-2025)
Reader in Cognitive Neuroscience, Cardiff University (2020-present)
Senior Lecturer, Cardiff University (2016-2020)
Alzheimer’s Society and BRACE Research Fellow (2014-2018)
Research Associate, Cardiff University (2009-2014)
Neuropsychologist at the Research Institute for the Care of Older People (RICE) in Bath (2005-2009)
Lectureship in Psychology at Manchester University and postdoctoral work at the Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London
Honours and awards
Awards/External Committees
Chartered Psychologist (CPsychol) and Associate Fellow of British Psychological Society (AFBPsS).
Member of Scientific Advisory Board, BRACE Alzheimer's charity
Member of UKRI BBSRC Ageing Across the Lifecourse Working Group
Member of editorial board for Scientific Reports (NPG)
Professional memberships
Society for Neuroscience (SfN)
Cognitive Neuroscience Society (CNS)
Organisation of Human Brain Mapping (OHBM)
International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM)
Supervisions
Post-doctoral research associate: Dr Pedro Luque-Laguna (funded by NIHR/HCRW Advanced Fellowship)
Current PhD students research brain plasticity in ageing: Lucy Layland (School of Psychology Open PhD studentship 2022-2025), Fionnuala Rogers (School of Psychology Open PhD studentship 2021-2024)
Psychology Assistants: Annabel Geddes and Beate Galoburda
Previous PhD students: Chiara Casella, Lauren Revie, Jilu Mole, Kat Christiansen
Contact Details
+44 29208 70705
Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre, Maindy Road, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ