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Dr Laura Smith, BSc, MSc, PhD

Laura

Lecturer in Health Psychology

Email: l.j.smith@qmul.ac.uk

Profile

I joined QMUL in 2023 as a Lecturer in Health Psychology within the Centre for Preventative Neurology at the Wolfson Institute of Population Health. I am a Research Psychologist and Behavioural Scientist, whose academic training is in neuropsychology. 

My research applies psychological theories to better understand, assess and treat neurological conditions. 

I completed my PhD at University of Kent with a thesis on vestibular contributions to cognitive function. I subsequently held postdoctoral positions at the University of Bath (diagnostic tools for dementia) and the University of Nottingham (cognitive problems in multiple sclerosis), before returning to Kent for a Lectureship within the Psychology Department.  

I lead research programmes at the Parkinson’s Centre for Integrated Therapy, based in Kent. Alongside my research activity, I am Sponsorship Officer for the British Neuropsychological Society and a Trustee for Tree of Hope Children’s Charity. 

 

Research

Research Interests:

I apply psychological and neuropsychological theories to better understand, assess and treat neurological conditions. I am a mixed method researcher and use variety of approaches including non-invasive brain stimulation, electrophysiological recordings of brain activity, qualitative analysis, behavioural assessments and cognitive interventions.

I research a range of topics including:

- Psychological aspects of vestibular disorders: How is psychological distress experienced and what impact does this have on people with vestibular disorders and the clinical care they receive? What are the underlying mechanisms of psychological aspects of vestibular disorders? How is psychological distress routinely addressed within clinical care for people with vestibular disorders? How could psychological aspects be effectively assessed and treated?

- Cognitive problems in multiple sclerosis: What kind of cognitive problems are experienced by different people with multiple sclerosis? How do cognitive problems affect quality of life and daily activities? What are the mechanisms underlying cognitive changes in multiple sclerosis? How can cognitive problems be assessed and monitored effectively? How can cognitive problems be prevented or managed?

- Comprehensive care for Parkinson's disease: What would a more integrated and person-centred model of Parkinson's care look like? How can this be delivered? What are the barriers and facilitators to doing so? Can the therapeutic potential of non-drug therapies be boosted by offering these in a combined approach? How can digital tools be harnessed within Parkinson's care?

 

Publications

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