Claire Yihui
I am a Visiting PhD Candidate from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, affiliated with the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences. My research and professional background are deeply rooted in rehabilitation assessment and therapy, with a focus on understanding and mitigating cognitive decline.
My doctoral research is dedicated to the early identification and intervention of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), a prodromal stage of Alzheimer's disease. The core of my project involves exploring novel biomarkers based on dual-task walking paradigms. By analyzing performance during dual-task conditions—where individuals are required to perform a cognitive task while walking—I aim to develop sensitive, function-based markers that can facilitate the early screening of MCI in community or clinical settings.
Building upon early detection, my work also investigates targeted neuromodulation techniques to prevent or delay the progression to dementia. Specifically, I am utilizing intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS), a novel and efficient protocol of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). This non-invasive brain stimulation method offers the potential to enhance neuroplasticity and cognitive function in individuals at risk, providing a timely and proactive approach to Alzheimer's disease prevention.
My current visit to NeuRA provides an invaluable opportunity to collaborate with leading experts, exchange knowledge, and further refine my research methodologies in a vibrant scientific environment. I am eager to contribute to and learn from the interdisciplinary community here, advancing our shared goal of translating innovative research into practical rehabilitation strategies.
Publications
2026
Modifiable Cognitive Reserve Proxies and Dementia Risk across Socioeconomic Status: Potential Targets for Tailored Intervention in Mid- to Early Late-Life
View full preprint on https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.6167807
2022 Jun
Estimation of Heart Rate and Energy Expenditure Using a Smart Bracelet during Different Exercise Intensities: A Reliability and Validity Study
View full journal-article on https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/22/13/4661
2022, 28 Apr
Effect of Exercise on the Cognitive Function of Older Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
View full journal-article on http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2022.876935
2022, 22 Jan
Estimation of the Heart Rate and Energy Expenditure with a Smart Bracelet during Different Intensities of Exercise: A Reliability and Validity Study (Preprint)
View full preprint on https://doi.org/10.2196/preprints.36726