Psychological intervention, cognitive training, functional rehabilitation and well-being in clinical populations with brain degeneration

The concept of human well-being is a fundamental aspect of our existence and is often particularly vulnerable upon diagnosis and/or progression of long-term neurological conditions for which there is no cure, such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s disease. As these conditions involve, insidious cognitive, motor and psychopathological deterioration tends to occur, and the adjustment and coping process can be additionally complex and challenging, affecting mental health and well-being. This project interfaces between neuropsychology, clinical psychology and health psychology to investigate the adjustment and coping processes of patients and their carers at various points of the disease trajectory using qualitative and quantitative measures, and aims to build resilience to promote mental well-being and flourishing in family carers as well as patients themselves. The project covers approaches such as mindfulness and cognitive behavioural interventions, positive psychology, social interaction, ecopsychology, experimental cognitive training, and real-world interventions on symptoms, disease progression, health status or health-related quality of life and subjective well-being. The project also aims to examine use of technology and the development of apps to facilitate all of the above, and/or use brain imaging to examine the neurophysiological effect of interventions.

Potential candidates are invited to discuss their interest in relation to this project by emailing a.k.ho@reading.ac.uk.