Categoría: Activity report

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Progress with the research plan

Asignatura Tutoria Doctorat en Salut i Psicologia
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The main goal of the doctoral thesis is to investigate the optimal conditions under which background music can enhance cognition in patients with neurodegenerative disorders. Specifically, the project focuses on attentional functions in patients with Parkinson’s disease and learning new information in patients with episodic memory deficits (Mild Cognitive Impairment – MCI). To achieve this, the study follows specific objectives inspired both by previous findings in healthy individuals and the effects of context and emotions on cognitive functions.

Over the past year, significant progress has been made, especially regarding the attentional functions in Parkinson’s Disease (PD). The primary focus has been on Experiment 5, which aims to investigate the effects of mood and arousal induced by music (‘arousal-mood hypothesis’) on attentional performance in PD. Data collection has been successfully completed, and preliminary analysis suggests promising outcomes regarding the modulation of attentional networks through background music. The results have been presented at multiple international conferences, including The Neurosciences and Music VIII in Helsinki and The Future of Music and Arts in Medicine and Health (IAMM & ISfAM) in Berlin. Currently, I am in the process of writing a scientific paper based on these results, aiming to disseminate the findings within the academic community.

Regarding the learning and memory objectives (Experiments 1 to 4), Experiments 1, 2, and 3 have been completed and published in a scientific paper: (Calabria et al., 2023) Currently, data collection for Experiment 4 has been completed, and I am in the process of analyzing the data to investigate the effects of background music on associative memory tasks.

Overall, the project has advanced significantly toward achieving its research goals, with the attentional function study in PD nearing completion and substantial developments in the memory studies in MCI. The outcomes are expected to contribute valuable insights into the interplay between music, mood, and cognitive functions in clinical populations.

Research activity
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Future Planned Activities

Asignatura Tutoria Doctorat en Salut i Psicologia
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In the coming academic year, I plan to build on the progress achieved so far by focusing on the dissemination and further development of my research. Below are the key planned activities:

·       Submit manuscript on Experiment 5 (Parkinson’s Disease and attention): The paper will present the results from 51 participants and focus on the modulation of attentional networks through background music. The manuscript aims to be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal specializing in cognitive neuroscience or neuropsychology.

·       Submit manuscript on Experiment 4 (Associative memory and MCI): Based on data from 42 participants, this paper will explore the effect of musical background and arousal on associative memory. It will include detailed analyses of cognitive performance and discuss individual differences in responsiveness to music. Submission is planned for a journal in the fields of aging, memory, or clinical neuropsychology.

·       Attend international conference – Society for Music Perception and Cognition (SMPC) 2025: My study with Parkinson’s patients has been accepted as poster presentation. Participating in this conference will offer valuable networking opportunities with international experts in the field of music and cognition.

·       Explore secondment opportunities related to neuromodulation and music-based interventions: I will seek research stays at centers specializing in neuromodulation or clinical music interventions to deepen my knowledge and foster international collaboration.

·       Plan and conduct a new experiment using fNIRS: Building on the experience from my Parkinson’s study, I intend to develop a new experiment that investigates the neural mechanisms of music-related cognitive enhancement. The study will integrate fNIRS technology with updated behavioral paradigms. 

 

Research activity
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Dr. Marco Calabria

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PhD Supervisor – Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)

Dr. Calabria is my primary doctoral supervisor and the coordinator of my research activities. He is an Associate Professor in the Master in Neuropsychology program at UOC. His research interests focus on neuropsychology, particularly examining speech production deficits in bilingual speakers following brain damage, including both neurodegenerative diseases and post-stroke scenarios. Additionally, he explores the mechanisms of bilingualism as a cognitive reserve factor in age-related diseases. Recently, he initiated the MEM-COG Project, investigating the impact of background music on cognitive functions in patients with neurodegenerative disorders, where I am a PhD student. Since 2020, Marco has served as an Associate Editor for the journal ‘Bilingualism: Language and Cognition’. His extensive experience and expertise have been invaluable in guiding the design and execution of my experimental protocols and providing continuous support throughout my doctoral journey

Marco Calabria Website

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Dr. Carmen García-Sánchez

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Neuropsychologist – Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona

Dr. García-Sánchez is a clinical neuropsychologist at the Neurology Department of Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau and a specialist in the diagnosis and rehabilitation of cognitive deficits. She is also a university professor and coordinates the Master’s program in Neuropsychology at the Autonomous University of Barcelona. Her clinical and research work focuses on neurodegenerative diseases, pediatric and adult neuropsychology, and cognitive rehabilitation strategies, including music-based interventions like the chorus for Parkinson and aphasia patients of the hospital, which she helped to create.

In my doctoral research, Dr. García-Sánchez plays a key role as the main clinical collaborator, especially in the recruitment, screening, and neuropsychological evaluation of patients with Parkinson’s Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment. Her clinical expertise and active involvement have been essential in bridging the gap between experimental design and real-world application.

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Dr. Elena Muñoz Marrón

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Director of NeuroADaS Lab – Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)

Dr. Muñoz Marrón is a tenured professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences at UOC, where she also directs the Master’s Degree in Neuropsychology. She is also the founder of UNNE, a spin-off of the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC), with more than 14 years of experience in non-invasive neuromodulation. Her research focuses on non-invasive brain stimulation techniques, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), and their applications in cognitive enhancement and neurorehabilitation. Collaborating with her on research projects like PEANUTY has helped me improve my skills in experimental methodology, and has been instrumental in the design and execution of my doctoral thesis project.

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Efficacy of a Theatre-Based Intervention in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease

Asignatura Tutoria Doctorat en Salut i Psicologia
Pública

Date: Published 2025

Journal: Arts & Health

Article ID: RAHE (2488361)

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/17533015.2025.2488361.

Place: Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC), Barcelona

Reflection on the activity: Contributed as a co-author to the research paper titled “Efficacy of a Theatre-Based Intervention in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease”. The study evaluated the impact of theatre-based interventions on the emotional well-being of individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Findings demonstrated that such interventions have specific benefits for emotional well-being and non-specific benefits in reducing motor symptoms. My role encompassed research design, data collection, and analysis, contributing to the understanding of non-pharmacological therapies for PD.

Calabria, M., Ciongoli, F., García-Sánchez, C., Bonnin, C. del M., Pascual Sedano, B., Kulisevsky, J., Fèrriz Roure, T., & Macip, S. (2024). Efficacy of a theatre-based intervention in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Arts & Health.

Publication
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Lecture: The Psychological Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet

Asignatura Tutoria Doctorat en Salut i Psicologia
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Date: November 22, 2024; March 21, 2025

Place: Mediterranean Food Studies, Torribera Mediterranean Center, Universitat de Barcelona

Reflection on the activity: This lecture focused on the psychological benefits of the Mediterranean diet, exploring how dietary habits influence mental health and cognitive function. The presentation included evidence-based insights on the positive impact of Mediterranean dietary patterns on mood regulation and the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases. Attendees gained practical knowledge on incorporating Mediterranean principles into their daily lives to enhance mental well-being.

Academic service. Presentation in an event
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Workshop: Comida para el cerebro – Qué y cómo comer para mejorar nuestra salud mental

Asignatura Tutoria Doctorat en Salut i Psicologia
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Date: September 24, 2024

Place: Casa Golferichs, Barcelona

Reflection on the activity: This workshop explored the impact of diet on mental health, highlighting how dietary habits can influence cognitive and emotional well-being. We presented scientific evidence on how up to 33% of psychiatric and neurological conditions may be influenced by nutrition. The interactive session encouraged participants to reflect on their eating habits and introduced the key principles of the Mediterranean diet, emphasizing local and seasonal food, mindful eating, and the social aspects of culinary traditions. Participants left with practical tools and scientific knowledge to make healthier food choices, aimed at enhancing mental well-being and overall quality of life.

Presentation in an event
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Workshop: Duelo de cerebros – Explorando el cerebro humano con fNIRS

Asignatura Tutoria Doctorat en Salut i Psicologia
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Date: September 28, 2024

Place: Vil·la Urània, Barcelona

Reflection on the activity: In this workshop, co-hosted with Ana Hernández Sauret, we introduced participants to the fascinating world of fNIRS (Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy), a non-invasive neuroimaging technique. Through live demonstrations, we showcased how the brain reacts to cognitive and motor tasks, allowing the audience to observe real-time brain activity. The interactive format engaged attendees by encouraging them to guess which brain areas were activated during specific challenges. This experience not only raised awareness about cutting-edge neuroscience methods but also fostered curiosity about brain function and cognition.

Presentation in an event
Este es un espacio de trabajo personal de un/a estudiante de la Universitat Oberta de Catalunya. Cualquier contenido publicado en este espacio es responsabilidad de su autor/a.