Gluten Beyond the Gut? Neurological Gluten Sensitivity Research Update and Treatments

Iain Croall

Iain obtained his cognitive neuroscience PhD at Newcastle University in 2015. During these studies, and in his first postdoctoral position at Cambridge University, he utilised MRI scanning to investigate how different types of neurodegenerative conditions affect the brain and cognitive function.

He joined Sheffield University in 2017 and has since worked within the Sheffield Institute of Gluten-Related Disorders (SIGReD). Iain continues to use brain MRI scanning and cognitive methods to better understand and characterise the forms of neuro-dysfunction that can occur across the spectrum of gluten-related disorders. He has authored a number of publications which focus on validating brain involvement in coeliac disease and proving treatment effects of the gluten-free diet with respect to neurological progression.

Since last year Iain has been developing a large, retrospective scale study of over 900 patients with gluten ataxia / gluten encephalopathy. He is also currently finalising analyses for a different project examining if the presence of gluten antibodies in otherwise healthy people may be a risk factor for late life cognitive decline.

Nick Trott RD

Nick obtained an honours degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Cardiff Metropolitan University. Since post graduate training, Nick has worked in a variety of clinical areas within the NHS including critical care, oncology and haematology.

Currently, Nick works as a Gastroenterology Dietitian, covering the Specialist Coeliac Clinic at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield. His areas of particular clinical interest include coeliac disease, gluten ataxia, non-coeliac wheat sensitivity and the Low FODMAP approach to Disorders of Gut Brain Interaction.

Nick is a member of Coeliac UK’s Health Advisory Board and was presented with the Complete Nutrition ‘Coeliac Professional of the Year’ award in 2016.

In 2017 Nick attained a master’s degree in clinical research from the University of Sheffield and is currently pursuing a PhD on the role of the Dietitian in the management of Coeliac Disease.