Dr Pen (Wenpeng) You is a health researcher specialising in dementia, cognitive ageing, and women’s health, with a particular focus on the early recognition of cognitive impairment, including mild cognitive impairment and dementia. His work examines how cognitive changes—especially in women—are identified, interpreted, and managed across healthcare, community, and population settings.

His research investigates knowledge, attitudes, clinical judgement, and preparedness among health professional students, healthcare workers, and care staff, with the aim of improving early diagnosis, care quality, and workforce capability in dementia care. A central theme of his work is advancing gender-sensitive and culturally responsive approaches to recognising and managing cognitive decline.

Dr You’s broader research focuses on ageing populations, dementia risk and prevention, health equity, and health services research. He applies epidemiological, quantitative, and psychometric methods to understand how biological, social, and health system factors influence cognitive health outcomes. His work addresses key issues in dementia care, nursing practice, and health service delivery, particularly for older adults, women, and culturally diverse populations.

A further component of his research examines population-level determinants of cognitive health, including ageing, chronic disease, cardiovascular risk, reproductive health, and social determinants. This work contributes to a systems-level understanding of dementia prevention and health inequalities, supporting evidence-based policy and care improvement.

Across his research program, Dr You aims to generate evidence that informs:

  - early detection of cognitive impairment
  - dementia care and nursing practice
  - health workforce education and preparedness
  - culturally responsive and equitable care
  - public health policy and service improvement

His work bridges population health, clinical practice, and health systems, translating complex evidence into practical strategies to improve outcomes for ageing and vulnerable populations.