Shraddha Kinger, MA

Research Interests

Broadly, I am interested in the neuropsychology of aging. Specifically, I am interested in studying the impact of non-motor symptoms on quality of life in Parkinson’s disease, as well as identifying interventions to target these symptoms. Another research interest I have developed involves trying to understand the lived experience of individuals with Parkinson’s disease – identifying challenges from personal perspectives to aid more appropriate care. I am also interested in the neuropsychological assessment and rehabilitation of neurodegenerative conditions.

Current Projects

I am currently working on a project that involves customizing a smartphone app to predict visual hallucinations in Parkinson’s disease. In addition, I am also part of a research team studying the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on quality of life and health in Parkinson’s disease. In the past, I have led a team in our lab working on a qualitative study to understand the experience of living with Parkinson’s disease. The purpose of the study was to identify challenges experienced by individuals with PD and to collect their advice offered to others with the diagnosis, to their care partners, and to healthcare professionals. In addition to the majors themes we have identified, we continue to analyze data from this project.

Relevant Experience

In the past, I have been involved in recruiting, scheduling and conducting assessments with research participants for an attention interventional study to improve motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. The majority of my work experience has been in India, focused on working with individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and their caregivers at the Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorder Society (PDMDS). I was involved in developing and conducting group therapy sessions focusing on the management of non-motor symptoms. One of the research studies I was part of included studying the effect of exergaming on motor and non-motor symptoms by incorporating functional and engaging exercise. Another study I worked on included identifying barriers to the use of rehabilitative services for Parkinson’s disease. This was to understand why patient adherence to community rehabilitation services may be poor, even when services are free of cost or discounted.  In addition to this, I assisted a neuropsychologist practicing privately to conduct clinical and neuropsychological assessments of adults and children diagnosed with a range of neurological conditions.

Hobbies and Interests

During my free time, I love to read (I’m also guilty of following way too many web-comics) and I enjoy being surrounded by nature and being outdoors. I love spending time with family and friends, and enjoy watching a variety of movies and TV series as well (presently very invested in baking shows!)

Publications

Kinger, S. & Purandare, M. (2017). Self-Compassion amongst patients with Major Depressive Disorder and Alcohol Use Disorders. Bombay Psychologist. 31. 5-12.

Posters and Presentations

Kinger, S.B., & Purandare, M. (2016). Self-compassion amongst patients with Major Depressive Disorder and Alcohol Use Disorders. Paper presented at the Annual Conference of the Bombay Psychological Association in Mumbai, India.

Barretto, M., Dsouza, A., D’souza N., Irani, N., Kinger,S.B., Mukadam, N. (2018). Building patient ownership and engagement: A new approach to induction into community neurorehabilitative groups. Poster presented at the 10^th World Congress for Neurorehabilitation, Mumbai, India.

Barretto, M., D’souza N., Irani, N., Kinger, S.B., Mukadam, N. (2018). Setting up community-based rehabilitation centres for Parkinson’s in a developing country, across various urban, rural, tribal settings: Comparison and challenges. Poster presented at the 10^th World Congress for Neurorehabilitation, Mumbai, India.

Fox-Fuller, J.T., Kinger, S.B., Pluim, C.F., Kaplan, R.I., McLarin, A., Moran, J.M., Salazar, R.D., Neargarder, S., Cronin-Golomb, A. (2020).  Association between perceived stigma and discussion of experiences in Parkinson’s disease: Findings from an online survey.  Abstracts of the Cognitive Aging Conference, Atlanta GA (conference canceled).

Islam, S., Kinger, S.B., Piers, R.J., Salazar, R.D., Neargarder, S., Cronin-Golomb, A. (2020).  Perceived stigma and quality of life in persons with Parkinson’s disease and comorbid chronic illnesses.  Abstracts of the Cognitive Aging Conference, Atlanta GA (conference canceled).

Kinger, S.B., Fox-Fuller, J.T., Poole, L.G., Ramdas, L.N., Salazar, R.D., Neargarder, S., Cronin-Golomb, A. (2020).  Impact of exercise on non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.  Abstracts of the Cognitive Aging Conference, Atlanta GA (conference canceled).

Kinger, S.B., Salazar, R.D., Cronin-Golomb, A. (2020).  Relation of stigma perception to motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.  Abstracts, International Neuropsychological Society 45th Annual Meeting, Denver CO.

Pluim, C.F., Kaplan, R.I., Fox-Fuller, J.T., Kinger, S.B., Neargarder, S., Salazar, R.D., Cronin-Golomb, A. (2020).  Discordance in ratings of quality of life in persons with Parkinson’s disease and their informants through online survey.  Abstracts of the Cognitive Aging Conference, Atlanta GA (conference canceled).

Kinger, S.B., Poole, L.G., Neargarder, S., Cronin-Golomb, A. (2021).  The relation between exercise and non-motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease.  Abstracts, International Neuropsychological Society 46th Annual Meeting, San Diego CA.

Kinger, S.B., McLarin, A., Moran, J., Fox- Fuller, J.T., Gordillo, M., Long, K., Cronin-Golomb, A. (2021).  We hope you’re listening: A qualitative study identifying types of advice given by individuals with Parkinson’s disease.  Abstracts, International Neuropsychological Society 46th Annual Meeting, San Diego CA.

Poole, L.G., Kinger, S.B., Neargarder, S., Cronin-Golomb, A. (2021).  Exercise engagement in relation to motor symptoms and quality of life in Parkinson’s disease.  Abstracts, International Neuropsychological Society 46th Annual Meeting, San Diego CA.

Wall, J., Ramdas, L., Kinger, S.B., Cronin-Golomb, A. (2021). Caregiver perspectives on the experience of Parkinson’s disease: A qualitative analysis.  Abstracts, International Neuropsychological Society 46th Annual Meeting, San Diego CA.