Mental Health Research Centre

11/06/2026

Four MHRC members are featured in the latest issue of PolyU research newsletter, 𝑰𝒏𝒏𝒐𝒗𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑫𝒊𝒈𝒆𝒔𝒕! Check them out:

Beyond BMI: How Fat Distribution Shapes the Ageing Brain by 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟. 𝐐𝐈𝐔 𝐀𝐧𝐪𝐢, Director of Mental Health Research Centre (MHRC)
https://polyu.hk/NEJeL

Breaking News: Multilingual AI Cognitive Screening for the Chinese-Speaking Community by 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟. 𝐋𝐈𝐀𝐍𝐆 𝐇𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐮, Member of MHRC
https://polyu.hk/CvJMe

Beyond the Pandemic: AI Contact Tracing System Safeguards Residential Care Homes by 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟. 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐝 𝐇𝐨 𝐊𝐞𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐇𝐔𝐌, Member of MHRC
https://polyu.hk/gLNSF

Caring for the Carers: A Nature-Based Mindfulness Programme for Caregivers by 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟. 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐇𝐚𝐲 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐎, Member of MHRC
https://polyu.hk/RbOpP

探索理大智齡研究新成果——《Innovation Digest》第八期現已出版

立即細閱《Innovation Digest》第八期，探索理大近期研究成果！今期以智齡為主題，帶領讀者了解如何透過科技與照護，創造豐盛人生。本期介紹八項聚焦智齡的理大研究，涵蓋新興科技與支援照護兩個範疇。

今期通訊有兩大重點：「Emerging Tech」展示支援長者身體健康的最新科技發展；「Supportive Care」則探討應用於護理的新工具及設備，並關注照顧者的心理健康及福祉。

印刷版數量有限，先到先得，派完即止。

𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐈𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐞 𝟖: 𝐔𝐧𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐲𝐔 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐩𝐮𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐀𝐠𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠

Immerse yourself in recent research outputs from PolyU in Issue 8 of Innovation Digest! This issue showcases eight research studies under the theme “Smart Ageing: Driving Prosperity in Life Through Tech and Care”, highlighting PolyU research on smart ageing, with a focus on emerging technologies and supportive care.

Dive into our research highlights:
Beyond BMI: How Fat Distribution Shapes the Ageing Brain
by Prof. Anqi QIU https://polyu.hk/NEJeL

Breaking News: Multilingual AI Cognitive Screening for the Chinese-Speaking Community
by Prof. Hualou LIANG https://polyu.hk/CvJMe

Beyond the Pandemic: AI Contact Tracing System Safeguards Residential Care Homes
by Prof. Ho Keung David SHUM and Prof. Lin YANG https://polyu.hk/gLNSF

Sound Solution: A Breakthrough Approach to Parkinson’s Disease
by Prof. Lei SUN https://polyu.hk/aXfeL

Stepping into Safety: How Immersive VR Can Help Prevent Falls in Older Adults
by Kenneth Nai Kuen FONG https://polyu.hk/YvKtX

When Digital Painting Meets Dementia Care Support
by Prof. Angela Man Yee LEUNG https://polyu.hk/ybdON

Beyond the Hype: Older Adults' Perspectives on Smart Healthcare in Hong Kong
by Prof. Yan Tina LUXIMON https://polyu.hk/TmLmL

Caring for the Carers: A Nature-Based Mindfulness Programme for Caregivers
by Prof. Herman Hay Ming LO https://polyu.hk/RbOpP

Printed copies are available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.

Explore our full digital issue / 瀏覽完整電子版: https://polyu.hk/gjeiR

#理大 #智龄 #老龄化 #新兴科技 #支援照护 #创新 #研究 #理大研究

09/06/2026

MHRC hosts 2026 networking luncheon to advance interdisciplinary collaboration and mental wellness

The Mental Health Research Centre ( ) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University ( ) hosted its 2026 Networking Luncheon on 29 May 2026 at Hotel ICON, bringing together over 50 representatives from the Government, the Hospital Authority, non-governmental organisations, charitable foundations and academia to foster interdisciplinary exchange and strengthen collaboration in mental health research and community services.

To celebrate the launch of MHRC’s second funding cycle, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held, officiated by Prof. Christopher CHAO, Prof. CHEN Qingyan, Director of the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research, Prof. David SHUM, Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Prof. QIU Anqi, Director of MHRC, Prof. Hector TSANG, Co-founder of MHRC, Dr LAM Ching-choi, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Mental Health of the Health Bureau, HKSAR, and Mr David NG, Assistant Director (Rehabilitation & Medical Social Services) of the Social Welfare Department, HKSAR, and Mr Lawrence CHAN, Founder of the Seal of Love Charitable Foundation.

During the luncheon, Prof. QIU Anqi shared the Centre’s latest research achievements and future strategic directions, highlighting how MHRC integrates neuroscience, artificial intelligence, rehabilitation sciences and social work to develop innovative, technology-driven mental health interventions.

The meaningful exchanges throughout the luncheon underscored the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and further strengthened the collective commitment to enhancing mental health and well-being in the community.❤️

精神健康研究中心舉辦2026年交流午宴　攜手推動跨學科合作與精神健康發展

香港理工大學（理大）精神健康研究中心於2026年5月29日假唯港薈舉辦交流午宴，匯聚逾50位來自政府、醫院管理局、非政府組織、慈善基金會及理大學界的代表，共同促進跨學科交流，加強精神健康研究與社區服務協作。

為慶祝中心踏入第二個資助週期，大會特別舉行剪綵儀式，由趙汝恒教授、理大高等研究院院長陳清焰教授、醫療及社會科學院院長岑浩強教授、精神健康研究中心主任仇安琪教授、中心共同創辦人曾永康教授、醫務衞生局精神健康諮詢委員會主席林正財醫生、社會福利署助理署長（康復及醫務社會服務）吳偉強先生，以及正愛慈善基金會創辦人陳文耀先生共同主禮。

午宴期間，仇安琪教授介紹中心最新研究成果及未來發展方向，並分享中心如何結合神經科學、人工智能、康復科學及社會工作，推動創新及科技驅動的精神健康介入方案。

午宴上的交流不僅彰顯跨學科合作的重要性，更進一步凝聚各界力量，共同提升社區精神健康與福祉。

#理大 #精神健康研究中 #精神健康

07/05/2026

We are proud to announce that Prof. Sylvia Xiaohua CHEN, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Chair Professor of Social and Cultural Psychology in the Department of Applied Social Sciences, Director of the Yan Oi Tong Au Suet Ming Child Development Centre, and Co-Founder of the Mental Health Research Centre ( ) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University ( ), has been elected as a Member of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts (EASA) in the Social Sciences, Law, and Economics class. 🎓✨
我們非常榮幸地宣佈香港理工大學醫療及社會科學院副院長、應用社會科學系社會及文化心理學講座教授、仁愛堂歐雪明兒童發展中心總監，以及精神健康研究中心共同創辦人陳曉華教授，獲選為歐洲科學與藝術院（European Academy of Sciences and Arts, EASA）院士，隸屬第五學部──社會科學、法律及經濟。

As a leading expert in social and cultural psychology, this international honor recognises Prof. Chen’s exceptional contributions to research on bilingualism, globalization, and mental health. A truly well-deserved recognition for her dedication to scientific and societal progress! 🌍🔬
作為社會及文化心理學領域的頂尖專家，這項國際榮譽表彰了陳教授在雙語文化、全球化及精神健康研究方面的卓越貢獻，肯定了她對推動科學與社會進步的努力。

#理大 #榮譽 #心理學 #精神健康

04/05/2026

Congratulations to Prof. Wayne L. S. Chan, Member of the Mental Health Research Centre ( ) and Assistant Professor of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, on receiving HK$1.5 million in funding from the Health and Medical Research Fund ( ) of the HKSAR Government!
熱烈恭賀精神健康研究中心成員、康復治療科學系助理教授陳立新教授，其研究項目獲香港特別行政區政府醫療衛生研究基金撥款150萬港元！

Falls are a major concern for our seniors, but what if gaming could be the solution? 🎮 Prof. Chan’s research project will evaluate the effects of exergaming on balance and mobility for community-dwelling older adults. By combining exercise with interactive technology, we are paving the way for safer, more active aging! 👣✨
跌倒是長者健康的重大挑戰，但「打機」也可以是解決方案？ 陳教授的研究項目旨在評估體感遊戲 (Exergaming) 如何幫助曾反覆跌倒的社區長者改善平衡力。結合運動與互動科技，我們正致力為長者打造更安全、更健康的生活！

HMRF funding supports local research to improve healthcare practices and enhance the quality of care in Hong Kong. We can’t wait to see the impact of this study! 👏
是次資助將進一步推動本地醫療研究，提升香港的醫療護理水平。期待陳教授的研究成果！

#香港理工大學 #康復治療 #體感遊戲 #跌倒預防 #醫療研究 #長者健康

23/04/2026

🌟🎥觀看影片 Watch now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7kq9zTvrSs

14/04/2026

Top marks for innovation! 🎓 PolyU has crowned its inaugural "Top 10 Research Stories" to recognise outstanding achievements with far-reaching impact locally and globally. Director of Mental Health Research Centre ( ), Prof. QIU Anqi’s study on obesity and brain ageing has taken a well-deserved spot in the winner’s circle. 🏆🧠
科研成就巔峰！ 理大公布首屆「年度十大科研故事」，表彰對本地及全球具深遠影響的卓越科研成就。精神健康研究中心主任仇安琪教授關於肥胖與大腦退化的研究成功入選。

Research Topic研究主題：
Sustained obesity may accelerate brain ageing 研究發現持續肥胖加速大腦退化

Research Focus 研究焦點：
The team has unveiled research to advance our understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying the relationship between obesity and cognitive health in adults. It highlights the dynamic relationship between obesity progression and brain-cognitive health.
團隊開展一項創新研究，加深我們對肥胖相關之神經機制的理解，以及其對成人認知健康的影響。研究對肥胖趨勢及其對成年人大腦和認知健康的影響，進行全面的縱向分析。

Spearheading high-quality development for HK, one discovery at a time.
以科研實力推動香港高質量發展，成就更好未來。

Press release 新聞稿 : https://polyu.me/4s8plYJ (英文版本)/ https://polyu.me/3PUjoky (中文版本)

Online coverage 網上報導 (Chinese only)：
Headline Daily 星島頭條 - https://polyu.me/414Ttcw
Ta Kung Pao 大公報 - https://polyu.me/4dmCKbP
Bauhinia 紫荊 - https://polyu.me/4m1vfcL
Mirage - https://polyu.me/4tiNeh2

#理大 #科研成就 #精神健康 #十大故事 #香港發展

02/04/2026

✨ A breakthrough in neurodegenerative disease treatment! 神經退化性疾病治療新突破！

Prof. Simon LEE Ming-yuan, MHRC member, and his team at PolyU, have successfully developed “PD-001R”, a first-in-class small-molecule drug candidate for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Derived from the traditional Chinese medicinal herb Yizhiren (Alpinia oxyphylla) and produced through chemical synthesis, PD-001R promotes the degradation of pathological α-synuclein aggregates, offering new hope for patients with neurodegenerative diseases.
理大精神健康研究中心成員李銘源教授團隊成功研發全球首創小分子候選藥物「PD-001R」，專為治療柏金遜症而設。該藥物源於中藥材益智仁，並以化學合成技術製成，可促進病理性 α-突觸核蛋白聚集體的降解，為神經退化性疾病患者帶來新希望。

Animal studies showed that PD-001R not only demonstrated significant efficacy against Parkinson’s disease, but also exhibited neuroprotective effects in Alzheimer’s disease, with good oral bioavailability and safety.
動物實驗顯示，PD-001R 不僅對柏金遜症具顯著療效，亦對阿茲海默症展現神經保護作用，並具備良好的口服生物利用度及安全性。

This ground-breaking research was awarded the Prize of the Korea Invention Promotion Association and Gold Medal at the 51st International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva, Switzerland, reflecting its strong international recognition and innovative value.
此項突破性研究於第51屆瑞士日內瓦「國際發明展」榮獲金獎及「韓國發明振興協會獎」，充分彰顯其國際認可與創新價值。

The advent of PD-001R brings new hope to patients with neurodegenerative diseases and marks a significant breakthrough in Hong Kong’s biomedical innovation landscape.
PD-001R的誕生，為神經退化性疾病患者帶來新希望，亦標誌著香港在生物醫學創新領域的重大突破。

🔗 Online coverage 網上報導:
East Week 東周網 - https://polyu.me/4szr3n1

# #理大 #科研 #創新 #生物醫學 #藥物研發 #神經退化性疾病 #柏金遜症 #阿茲海默症 #中醫藥創新 #香港科研

27/03/2026

New MHRC research reveals how exercise protects the brain from Alzheimer’s disease🧠✨
精神健康研究中心最新研究揭示運動如何保護大腦免受阿茲海默症侵害！

A recent study led by two members including Prof. Hector Tsang, Chair Professor of Rehabilitation Sciences (RS) and Prof. Sonata Yau, Associate Professor of RS, has identified a novel biological pathway that explains how physical exercise mitigates the risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Published in the prestigious journal Aging Cell, the research provides a detailed look at how exercise protects the brain from the damaging effects of chronic stress and cognitive decline.
由香港理工大學精神健康研究中心兩位成員包括康復治療科學系講座教授曾永康教授與邱淑瑜副教授領導的一項最新研究，發現了一條全新的生物路徑，揭示了體能運動如何降低患上阿茲海默症的風險。該研究已發表於權威學術期刊《Aging Cell》，詳細分析了運動如何保護大腦免受長期壓力和認知障礙的損害。

Read the full paper 閱讀研究全文 👉https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/acel.70447（只有英文）

#理大 #精神健康 #大腦健康 #阿茲海默症 #運動 #研究 #神經科學 #健康生活 #科學新聞

17/03/2026

Prof. Sonata YAU uncovers significant antidepressant effects of two active ingredients extracted from TCM formula "Yueju Pill" 🌿
邱淑瑜教授揭示從中藥方劑「越鞠丸」提取的兩種活性成分具有顯著抗抑鬱作用！

A research team led by Prof. Sonata YAU, Member of the Research Centre for Chinese Medicine Innovation ( ) and the Mental Health Research Centre ( ), and Associate Professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, has uncovered the significant antidepressant effects of two active ingredients extracted from traditional Chinese medicine ( ) formula "Yueju Pill".
香港理工大學康復治療科學系副教授暨中醫藥創新研究中心及精神健康研究中心成員邱淑瑜教授領導的研究團隊，成功揭示傳統中藥方劑「越鞠丸」中兩種活性成分具備顯著抗抑鬱效果。越鞠丸作為草藥，已被證實能快速緩解抑鬱症狀，主要歸功於其所含的環烯醚萜類成分「京尼平苷」（GP）及「山梔子甲酯」（SM）。

💡 Yueju, an herbal medicine, has demonstrated rapid antidepressant effects, primarily attributed to its iridoid constituents geniposide (GP) and shanzhiside methyl ester (SM).
越鞠丸作為草藥，已被證實能快速緩解抑鬱症狀，主要歸功於其所含的環烯醚萜類成分「京尼平苷」（GP）及「山梔子甲酯」（SM）。

Prof. Yau’s study investigates the sustained antidepressant efficacy of chronic co-treatment with GP and SM (GS) and explores the underlying molecular mechanisms, focusing on hippocampal neurogenesis and PACAP signaling. Using a four-week chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) mouse model, the effects of GS on depression-like behaviors were examined. Chronic GS administration significantly alleviated depression-like behaviors, showing promising results!
邱教授的研究深入探討「京尼平苷」與「山梔子甲酯」長期聯合治療的持續抗抑鬱效能。研究團隊採用為期四週的慢性不可預測壓力（CUS）小鼠模型，評估GS長期聯合治療對類抑鬱行為的影響。

These findings suggest that GS offers a potential therapeutic strategy for long-term depression treatment. ✨These results have been published in the latest issue of the European Journal of Pharmacology.
結果顯示，長期GS給予能顯著減輕類抑鬱行為，為長期治療抑鬱症提供了一種具前景的治療策略。這些結果已刊登在最新一期的《歐洲藥理學期刊》。

Read the full research paper 閱讀研究全文:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0014299926001950 (只有英文)

13/02/2026

Wishing you a prosperous and joyful Chinese New Year🧧! May the Year of the Horse 🐎 bring you peace of mind, emotional well-being, and the strength to embrace new beginnings.🌿💪❤️