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Dr Danit Saks is a postdoctoral research fellow whose work spans neurodegeneration, retinal imaging and genetics. At CHeBA she coordinates AusCADASIL - Australia’s first cohort study on this rare small vessel disease. ÌýHer goal is to characterise the profile of CADASIL, provide patients and clinicians with clear pathways to care, and grow Australia’s research capacity in this field. Ultimately, she hopes these efforts pave the way for targeted therapies and a better quality of life for families affected by CADASIL and vascular dementia.

How did you first get into research?

I didn’t have a clear plan to get into research, however, as I have always been interested in science, I started a Bachelor of Science at Sydney University. After changing majors a few times, I landed on neuroscience. After graduating, I travelled through Europe and completed an internship at a neurology clinic in Edinburgh, where assisting with a literature review sparked my initial interest in research. Back in Sydney, still unsure of my path, I completed a Master of Brain and Mind Sciences, then moved into the research space by completing a Master of Research in Alzheimer’s disease at Macquarie University. While I found this project interesting, I realised that laboratory work wasn’t quite for me, so I joined an ophthalmology group in the same department to better understand clinical research and did my PhD on retinal structural and vascular features of glaucoma in relation to polygenic risk of glaucoma. I also assisted members of my team with a similar retinal imaging project in an Alzheimer’s cohort.

After completing my PhD, I was uncertain about the next step – until I came across a role at CHeBA. It brought together all my key interests: dementia, genetics, retinal imaging, and biomarkers. It felt like a perfect fit.

Did you experience a ‘defining moment’ which led you to this field?

I wouldn't say there was a single defining moment that led me to this field - it was more a case of following my interests and the opportunities that came along. Over time, those paths consistently brought me closer to dementia research. If anything, the most pivotal moment came when I saw the role at CHeBA advertised. It aligned so closely with the work I had already been doing that it felt almost too good to be true. Now that I’m here, I can’t imagine stepping away from this field - especially not from dementia research more broadly.

Do you have any personal interests or activities which are protective behaviours against cognitive decline?

Although not by deliberate design, many of my everyday hobbies double as protective barriers for dementia. I’ve eaten a mostly pescetarian diet rich in fresh fruit and vegetables since childhood, and I keep my mind sharp with word games and puzzles. I do a daily cryptic crossword on my phone. The fact that it used to be a struggle but is now getting easier feels like brain training in action. This year I also began learning Spanish, which is progressing slowly but steadily. I enjoy bushwalking and getting out in nature, and the occasional Zumba class provides me with a mix of aerobic exercise and social interaction – two important protective factors against cognitive

Beyond its personal impact, CADASIL is a fascinating condition. The more I learn, the more I realise how much remains unknown. Crucially, the insights gained from this research extend beyond CADASIL itself, offering valuable understanding of small vessel disease and vascular dementia more broadly, and informing diagnosis, care, and treatment across related conditions.

What do you love about working for CHeBA?

What I love about working at CHeBA is the diversity of expertise across the team. Researchers come from a wide range of backgrounds, which creates a dynamic and collaborative environment. Whenever I have a question, there is always someone who either knows the answer or who is eager to explore it with me. It’s also incredibly motivating to be involved in research that is unique within Australia, particularly in areas that are underrepresented. That sense of contributing to something truly impactful brings a strong sense of purpose. Another aspect I’ve really valued is the opportunity to supervise students. It’s not something every role offers, and I’ve enjoyed supporting both undergraduate and Higher Degree Research students as they take their first steps into research.Ìý

What is the ultimate hope you have for your research?

My ultimate hope is to raise awareness of CADASIL among the general population, clinicians, and within the broader dementia field, so that people aren’t left spending years hunting for a diagnosis or trying to convince doctors to investigate further. Through the AusCADASIL study, we’re working to build a clearer profile of the condition in Australia and to create a trusted source of information and support for those affected. If this work helps shorten the path to diagnosis and ensures patients receive appropriate care, that alone would represent a meaningful real‑world impact. Beyond that, I hope to see the research community around CADASIL continue to grow; every new collaborator brings fresh perspectives and avenues of investigation we haven’t yet explored. Ultimately, I want this momentum to lead us toward a viable therapeutic target and, in time, a better quality of life for everyone living with CADASIL.

^{Dr Danit SaksÌýis a postdoctoral research fellow at CHeBA, where she coordinates the multi site AusCADASIL study and supports the Vascular Contributions to Dementia Centre for Research Excellence (VCD-CRE). She holds a PhD in Clinical Medicine (glaucoma), a Master of Research in Biomedical Sciences (Alzheimer’s disease) from Macquarie University and a Master of Brain and Mind Sciences (Dementia) from University of Sydney, and brings broad experience across neurodegeneration, neuroscience and vision science. Dr Saks’ work centres on CADASIL, dementia and glaucoma, integrating retinal imaging, genetics and biomarker approaches.}

We are grateful to the Sachdev Foundation for their significant support of the AusCADASIL study.