Corinna Klinge

My current research focusses on applying a recently developed cognitive test battery in Parkinson's Disease to see whether it is both sensitive to disease-inherent cognitive changes but also to pharmacological interventions in these patients. In a previous project, we developed this test battery, showing that it is sensitive to subtle changes in cognitive function, i.e. learning and memory, for example in an ageing or cognitive enhancement context. Experiments include both computerized tasks, as well as EEG recordings, to provide behavioural and brain activity data.

In the long run, such a cost-effective diagnostic tool could be used to monitor cognitive function in clinical settings, also including phase 1 trials (drug development).

Before starting working on the test battery, I was involved in a clinical trial, investigating the effects and side effects different anti-depressants can have on emotion processing, motivation and sexual function in the same lab.

Prior to this, I completed my PhD in early 2011, investigating changes in brain function of blind compared to sighted participants, using behavioural measures and fMRI, under the supervision of Christian Büchel (Hamburg, Germany).

All the projects I have worked on allowed me to combine my 2 main interests, namely psychological/neuroscientific research and working within more clinical settings.