Richard Killick is a neuroscientist specializing in the mechanisms of neurodegeneration, with a primary focus on Alzheimer’s disease (AD). His research team has uncovered the molecular mechanisms underlying synapse loss and neurodegenerative processes in AD. This groundbreaking work led to the identification of a drug that inhibits synapse and neuronal loss, brain atrophy, cognitive impairment and the hallmark brain deposition of amyloid. Currently, Dr. Killick, in collaboration with Dr. Dag Aarsland, is conducting a Phase IIa clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of fasudil in slowing disease progression in AD. Recently, Dr. Killick and his group have expanded their research to Parkinson’s disease (PD). They have made a remarkable discovery that alpha-synuclein, a key driver of synapse loss in PD, operates through the same pathway as β-amyloid, the driver of synapse loss in AD. The team is now investigating whether fasudil could also be beneficial in treating PD and Dementia with Lewy bodies.