Mario ParraRodriguez, MD PhD
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Affiliation(s):
University of Strathclyde
ORCID URL:
Areas of Interest:
Aging and Cognition. Alzheimer. Dementia. Neuropsychology. EEG. MRI. Technologies
Biography & Research:
Background
I graduated as a Medical Doctor in 1993 and as a Clinical Neurophysiologist in 1997. I worked at the Cuban Neuroscience Centre and at different University Hospitals in Cuba and in Colombia. During my clinical work I focused on neurophysiological aspects of dementia syndromes and other neurological disorders. I taught neuroscience related subjects in the field of medicine and psychology. My motivation for teaching and research led me to a major career change into academia. This started with my PhD in 2005 and continued with two Postdoctoral Fellowships and a position as a Clinical Studies Officer within the NHS. I worked as an Assistant Professor in Psychology at Heriot Watt University from 2015 to 2018. In 2018 I took an academic position at the University of Strathclyde, School of Psychological Sciences and Health where I currently work as a Reader in Psychology. My clinical and research careers have both been devoted to the assessment and investigation of dementia.
Research Interests
My research focuses on the cognitive mechanisms underlying normal and abnormal ageing. I have a special interest in the cognitive and behavioural changes in neurodegenerative diseases, with emphasis on Alzheimer’s Disease. The investigation of functional brain changes (fMRI and ERPs) in the course of dementing illnesses and other brain disorders. Development of cognitive tests for the early detection of dementia with emphasis on Alzheimer’s disease. Use of technology (VR) to assess and assist frail older adults and those at risk of dementia. I am also interested in the brain mechanisms subserving violent behaviours. The investigation of neural underpinnings of emotional processing and social cognition. Development of methodology for the assessment and intervention of cognitive disorders in individual chronically exposed to violent experiences.
