DrNicole Espinosa Zarlenga

Nicole Espinosa’s research focuses on identifying risk factors for cognitive decline and promoting awareness of evidence-based strategies people can use to reduce their risk of dementia and protect their brain health. She is driven by the belief that prevention is not just powerful, it is essential. Her work spans clinical trials, brain imaging, and non-pharmacological interventions, with a commitment to making research translatable for real-world impact. She has coordinated and supported multiple dementia prevention trials, including as trial coordinator for a pilot study on digital CBT-I in people with mild cognitive impairment and insomnia, and currently as site coordinator for a multi-centre trial on treating obstructive sleep apnoea to reduce dementia risk.

Nicole was awarded her PhD from the University of Sydney in October 2025 for research investigating the effects of music-making on brain plasticity, cognition, and psychosocial wellbeing in older adults at risk for dementia. In her current postdoctoral role, Nicole focuses on dementia risk prevention, early intervention services, and brain imaging. She oversees the MRI research program within HBA and leads the development of the HBA personalised risk factor report designed to translate research findings into practical insights for participants. She also supports the implementation of the Virtual Memory Clinics project and co-design of a new national Dementia Navigator model. She is a member of the Brain and Mind Centre Early and Mid-Career Research Committee.

Nicole is dedicated to advancing dementia prevention and ensuring research translates into strategies that help people take action on their brain health, creating lasting benefits for individuals, families, and communities.