From student project to published research

The study began as a student placement research project, where Dr Beydoun was trained to assess routine MRI scans using these visual rating scales for brain atrophy.

With the support of Associate Professor Landin-Romero it soon became clear the project had the potential to improve how the condition is diagnosed. 

When the project formally became part of her third-year integrated research term, Ms Beydoun became embedded within the Frontier Clinic team. 

“My nine-to-five became research,” she said. “I had a desk at the Brain and Mind Centre and worked alongside clinician-researchers every day.” 

Working alongside Dr Jessica Hazelton, Research Fellow at the Brain and Mind Centre, Dr Beydoun went on to lead the study’s analysis, draft the manuscript and navigate multiple rounds of peer review, earning first authorship while completing medical school.

Why early-onset dementia is often misdiagnosed

Behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia is a neurodegenerative disease that typically affects people in midlife and presents through changes in behaviour and personality rather than memory loss.

Because these symptoms can resemble depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions, studies suggest 50 to 70 percent of people with the condition may initially be misdiagnosed with a psychiatric disorder, often delaying diagnosis by four to five years.

“People with behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia can become apathetic, disinhibited, and show emotional changes that can look similar to psychiatric illness,” said Associate Professor Landin-Romero.

“Many are told they’re too young for a neurodegenerative disease and spend years moving between GPs, neurologists and psychiatrists. Improving diagnostic accuracy is essential to ending that long and stressful journey.”

He said the next step is encouraging broader clinical use of these tools through training and greater awareness.

“These visual rating scales are already available, what’s missing is consistent use in clinical practice. With the right training, they could be incorporated into routine assessment to support more reliable and comparable diagnoses.”

Student research with real-world clinical impact

“Chloe approached this research project with curiosity and determination, resulting in a published paper with clear clinical relevance. It shows what’s possible when students are given meaningful research opportunities and strong mentorship,” said co-author Dr Hazelton.

Now working as a clinical intern, Dr Beydoun said the experience continues to shape how she cares for patients.

“I understood the burden of dementia, but this project deepened my appreciation of how difficult diagnosis is,” she said.

“Diagnosis can bring families clarity, helping people access support earlier and plan for changes to work, driving ability and income. Being part of research that can improve that, especially as a student, was incredibly meaningful.”

Hero image: Stef Zingsheim, University of Sydney