Peter Schofield

Brief description

I trained in Neurology and Geriatrics in Australia (FRACP) and Behavioural Neurology and Epidemiology in the USA at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Centre and Columbia University in New York City. My research in the USA was concerned with epidemiological aspects of dementing disorders. After returning to Australia in 1997, I was appointed as Clinical Director to establish and develop a neuropsychiatry service which now serves the greater Newcastle area and northern NSW. My research in Australia has focused on efforts to develop simple and cost effective means of detecting cognitive impairment leading to the creation of the Audio Recorded Cognitive Screen. More recently, we have been exploring novel ways to assess olfaction as a possible biomarker for early Alzheimer's disease. My other main area of research relates to neuropsychiatric issues in offender populations, particularly traumatic brain injury and impulsivity.   Research ExpertiseI have undertaken epidemiological studies of aging and dementia, traumatic brain injury, and solvent exposure. I have developed a novel cognitive assessment instrument with wide potential. Teaching ExpertiseI have taught at undergraduate, postgraduate and at 'masterclass' level' in my areas of expertise Administrative ExpertiseI am director of the Neuropsychiatry Service of Hunter New England Health which comprises over 30 individuals. CollaborationsI collaborate with Prof John Attia in longitudinal studies of aging (Hunter Community Study) and an NHMRC funded study to investigate the properties of a novel olfactory test paradigm. I collaborate with Professor Tony Butler of the Kirby Institute in Sydney in relation to studies concerned with offender populations. Other collaborations relate to the application of our cognitive test instrument, including particularly in the context of multiple sclerosis with A/Prof Jeannette Lechner-Scott.