Krista L. Lanctôt

Neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with illness include mood changes, apathy, aggression and cognitive changes. These are common sequelae of many central nervous system disorders such as dementia, cerebrovascular disease and stroke. Dr. Lanctôt’s goal is to be a world leader in the discovery of precision medicine approaches to treat these neuropsychiatric symptoms.

Her research addresses this goal by determining the underlying neurobiology of neuropsychiatric symptoms, examining predictors of treatment response, using novel pharmacological agents and carefully considering adverse drug events. Dr. Lanctôt’s early focus was on the neurobiology of behavioural disorders associated with dementia. The goal of this research was to determine if behavioural subtypes can be linked to underlying neurochemical or neuropathologic dysfunction. A variety of tools including neuroimaging, serum biomarkers and pharmacologic challenges are used in combination with pharmacotherapeutic trials. Her group also identifies and assesses novel pharmacologic, neurostimulation, exercise and dietary interventions for neuropsychiatric symptoms.

This research will contribute to our understanding of the link between dysfunction in various neurotransmitters, proteins, lipids and metabolites and neuropsychiatric symptoms. As such, it may provide the background for novel therapies and allow Dr. Lanctôt’s team to advance precision medicine in this area.

Education

• Hons BSc, 1985, Toxicology, University of Toronto
• MSc, 1989, Pharmacology, University of Toronto
• PhD, 1998, Pharmacology, University of Toronto

Appointments & Affiliations

• Senior Scientist, Evaluative Clinical Sciences, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program
• Director, Geriatric Psychopharmacology Research Group, Sunnybrook Research Institute
• Bernick Chair in Geriatric Pyschopharmacology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
• Research Co-Director, Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
• Professor Departments of Psychiatry and of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto
• Vice Chair, Basic and Clinical Sciences, Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto