Name:
Andreia F. de Paiva
Job Title:
Research Fellow
Place of work / study:
University of Surrey
Area of Research:
Dementia care and prevention, Women’s Health and Psychology
How is your research funded:
N/A
Tell us a little about yourself:
I am an interdisciplinary researcher with a keen interest in promoting health and well-being and supportive approaches across the lifespan. I’m currently in the final stages of completing her PhD thesis at the Centre for Applied Dementia Studies at the University of Bradford. Prior to joining Surrey as a Research Fellow, I worked as a research assistant, focusing on psychosocial factors contributing to cognitive decline while collaborating on the Survey of Health Ageing and Retirement in Europe. I also hold an Integrative Master’s Degree in Clinical and Health Psychology from the University of Lisbon, Portugal.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself:
Love cinema, and want to train to be a yoga teacher in the future
Why did you choose to work in Dementia research?
I am very interested in the study and working on how to improve the quality of life of people living with dementia and other neurodegenerative disorders. Individuals with dementia possess a strong sense of personhood and sometimes societies forget that these individuals are, primarily, human beings, with personality and a sense of self, and that their diagnosis comes second. It is part of them, but it’s not what they are. So, more research needs to focus on helping maintain the quality of life and personhood of individuals with dementia and other disorders. I am also very passionate about working on the prevention of cognitive decline in middle and older age.
What single piece of advice would you give to an early career researcher?
Network and find your support bubble early.
What book are you reading right now? Would you recommend it?
The Fran Lebowitz Reader – witty and funny
Favourite ways to unplug and unwind?
Yoga and watching true crime documentaries
Favourite film of all time?
So many, but Lost in Translation
Can we find you on Twitter, Instagram or LinkedIn?
Find Andreia F. de Paiva on LinkedIn
Follow @andreiapaiva28 on Instagram