Professor David James Brooks is a world-renowned neurologist and pioneer in the application of positron emission tomography to neurological disorders. He currently holds dual appointments as Professor of Neurology at Aarhus University in Denmark and Professor of PET Clinical Science at Newcastle University, where his research has shaped clinical neurology for over three decades. Dr. Brooks earned his medical degree from the University of London in 1979, followed by an MD in 1986 focusing on cerebral blood-brain barrier function and cerebral hemodynamics using PET technology. His subsequent DSc in Neuroscience established him as a leading authority in neuroimaging techniques for understanding brain disorders. Throughout his career, he has maintained influential academic positions across the United Kingdom and Denmark, fostering international collaboration in neurological research.
Dr. Brooks' groundbreaking research has fundamentally transformed diagnostic and monitoring approaches for Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases through innovative applications of PET imaging. His work has established critical biomarkers that enable earlier and more accurate diagnosis of neurodegenerative conditions, significantly improving patient care pathways and therapeutic development protocols. With an impressive h-index of 123 and numerous highly cited publications, his contributions have shaped the field of neuroimaging for over thirty years. His seminal research on dopamine transporter imaging in Parkinson's disease and amyloid imaging in Alzheimer's disease has become foundational to current clinical practice and pharmaceutical development efforts worldwide. These methodological advances have enabled more precise tracking of disease progression and treatment response in clinical trials across multiple continents.
Beyond his research achievements, Dr. Brooks has been instrumental in advancing the field through his editorial leadership as UK Editor of Current Neuropharmacology and service on multiple prestigious editorial boards including Neurology - Clinical Practice and Journal of Parkinson's Disease. His recognition as a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences UK, the American Neurology Association, and the European Academy of Neurology underscores his international standing and influence. Dr. Brooks has received numerous honors including the Danish Alzheimer Foundation Prize and the Kuhl-Lassen Award from the Society of Nuclear Medicine, reflecting his exceptional contributions to neurological science. As he transitions to an emeritus role at Newcastle University, his ongoing work continues to guide the next generation of researchers in developing more sophisticated imaging approaches to understand and treat neurological disorders.
