Molly S
- Research Program Mentor
PhD at Drexel University
Expertise
Clinical Psychology, Neuropsychology (i.e., study of brain-behavior relationship), aging and dementia (e.g., Alzheimer's disease), older adults and healthy aging, Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, multicultural psychology/neuropsychology
Bio
Hi everyone! My Name is Molly and I am a clinical neuropsychology postdoctoral fellow. My research interests includes discovering new ways to identify early signs of cognitive decline in older adults and promoting positive brain health strategies to improve day-to-day functioning. I am also passionate about improving clinical care for older adults from historically marginalized communities. More recently I have expanded my research to exploring clinical phenotypes in atypical dementias including behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia. As a clinical psychologist specializing in aging and dementia, I am also passionate about designing interventions for older adults to improve social and emotional well-being throughout the aging process. I love to bike, hike, rock climb, cook, and spend time with my pup, Roo, and my partner and friends.Project ideas
Mental Health and Loneliness in Older Adults
In this project we could focus on understanding how loneliness affects the mental health of older adults. As people age, they may experience feelings of isolation or loneliness, which can impact their mood, memory, and overall well-being. The project goal would be to explore how loneliness can lead to mental health issues like depression or anxiety in older adults and to learn more about ways to help them feel more connected and supported. Here's a link to a survey study about loneliness in older adulthood: https://online.maryville.edu/blog/cognitive-health/
Benefits of Technology Use in Older Adults
In this project, we could explore how technology use impacts the cognitive and social well-being of older adults. As people age, they may face challenges with staying connected socially and maintaining cognitive health. By introducing digital tools such as tablets or smartphones, the project would aim to investigate how technology can improve cognitive function, reduce feelings of isolation, and enhance social engagement. The goal would be to understand how technology can serve as a tool for promoting mental health, improving memory, and fostering a sense of connection among older adults, especially those at risk of social isolation or cognitive decline.
Does Age Influence Adjustment to Diagnosis?
In this project, we could explore how individuals across different stages of life—adulthood and older adulthood—adjust to a new diagnosis, whether it be a chronic illness, mental health condition, or neurodegenerative disorder. Diagnoses such as diabetes, depression, or early-stage dementia can significantly impact a person’s sense of self, daily functioning, and emotional well-being. The project would aim to understand the psychological and emotional processes involved in adjusting to these diagnoses at various life stages, with a particular focus on coping strategies, resilience, and the role of support systems. The goal would be to identify effective strategies for mental health professionals to support individuals through diagnosis-related transitions, enhancing their quality of life and emotional well-being across the lifespan.