Neuropsychology
Clinical neuropsychology broadly addresses the effects of injury or diseases of the brain on behaviour, thinking and emotion.
Our work within this area includes understanding the clinical and neuropsychological effects of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and Motor Neuron disease. Broadly, we aim to explore the nature of clinical variability, how this interacts with underlying pathological mechanisms and the implications for the development of therapeutic strategies.
Our research examines the effects of conditions affecting memory (mild cognitive impairment, early Alzheimer’s disease, sudden-onset adult amnestic conditions) on a person's sense of self and identity.
We work on identifying biomarkers that predict progression, from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer’s Disease cognition and the ageing brain and consider how these are viewed in Te Ao Maori. Our examinations of cross-cultural neuropsychology include the development of culturally appropriate assessment tools.
We conduct studies on the incidence and outcomes of stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI), and trials of specific educational and psychological interventions to improve outcomes of stroke and TBI.
Our researchers use a variety of methods including both behavioural and experimental paradigms, neuroimaging techniques, and qualitative/focus group work. In conducting our research, we have access to a library of neuropsychological and psychological tests and imaging techniques such as DTI, fMRI and EEG.
Related research centres
Brain Research New Zealand
Centre for Brain Research
Dementia Prevention Research Clinic
National Institute for Stroke and Applied Neurosciences
University of Auckland Clinics