questionnaire study about body image
Eve Morecroft (left) is a ParkC Honours student who is examining the relationships between body image, self esteem, and social engagement in those with Parkinson's. Given the importance of maintaining social engagement for general wellbeing, it is important to understand how this is impacted in those with Parkinson's.
The study requires you to complete an anonymous online questionnaire that asks you questions about how you feel about your body, your self-esteem, and your engagement in social activities. The questionnaire can be completed on a laptop, personal computer, tablet, or phone. It would take approximately 30 minutes to complete.
If you would like to find out more more about Eve's study and potentially take part, please click on the 'FIND OUT MORE' button below, or email Eve at eve.morecroft@student.curtin.edu.au.
If you would like to look at the questionnaire and take part, click on the 'TAKE PART NOW' button below.
new study starting
Amy Tiberio (left) is a new ParkC PhD student who is examining the link between brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and Parkinson's symptoms. BDNF is a protein that is important for healthy brain function. Some very recent studies have found that people with Parkinson’s have lower than normal levels of BDNF in their blood, and this may contribute to Parkinson’s symptoms. However, these are limited case studies that examined only a small aspect of Parkinson’s symptoms. We need more information to determine whether BDNF plays a role in Parkinson’s. The findings of this study may lead to the development of new therapies and treatments for Parkinson's.
If you would like to know more about Amy's study and potentially take part, please visit the 'Current Studies' page or click on the button below.
announcing dr emily corti (2024)
We are very pleased to announce that Dr Emily Corti has been awarded her PhD in a very emotive (for the supervisors!) ceremony at Curtin University. Emily's PhD was entitled "The impact of non-invasive brain stimulation on motor cortex excitability and cognition in chronic lower back pain" and was supervised by Andrea Loftus, Natalie Gasson, and Welber Marinovich. Emily's thesis received glowing reviews from the examiners. Although Emily's PhD was in the field of chronic pain, Emily has been a key member of ParkC for many years and many of you will have met her at PWA functions or will have taken part in ParkC research with her. Emily is currently employed in the health service as an ethics manager, but we are hoping to secure funding or a position so she can continue her research career.
announcing dr leon booth (2021)
We are very pleased to announce that Dr Leon Booth was awarded his PhD in a ceremony at Curtin University, complete with celebratory fireworks. Leon's PhD was entitled "The Measurement and Nature of Impulsivity in Parkinson’s" and was supervised by Associate Professor Andrea Loftus and Professor Natalie Gasson. Leon worked very closely with Parkinson's Nurse Janet McLeod and the Parkinson's community to develop his PhD project. Leon impressed us all with his ability to tackle such a sensitive issue with empathy and compassion. Many congratulations Leon.
Update: Leon now works with the George Institute for global health in Sydney and is an active collaborator of ParkC.
announcing dr andrew r johnson (2020)
We are very pleased to announce that Dr Andrew Johnson was awarded his PhD at Perth Convention Centre. Andrew's PhD was entitled "A Bayesian Evaluation of Subtyping Methods in Parkinson’s Disease" and was supervised by Professor Natalie Gasson, Associate Professor Andrea Loftus, and Professor Romola Bucks. Andrew has impressed us all with his perseverance and determination in completing such a challenging program of research. Many congratulations Andrew.
Update: Andrew is currently working as a postdoctoral researcher in health science at Aalto University in Finland.