Focus on research on the biological factors that alter the clinical course of Alzheimer’s Disease and other related chronic neurodegenerative conditions but with a focus on the role of inflammation. This includes a better understanding of the factors that determine the rate of cognitive decline and the development of neuropsychiatric features. Professor Holmes also leads a clinical trials unit that examines the effects of pharmacological interventions of patients with Alzheimer’s Disease and related conditions. He has had a key role in developing a better understanding of immunomodulatory drugs in Alzheimer’s Disease including the role of drugs such as Etanercept that target systemic innate immunity.