Ana B. Vivas, Professor in Neuropsychology/Psychology, CITY College, University of York Europe Campus (Thessaloniki, Greece)
Ana is the Director of NEUREC (Neuroscience Research Center), and Research Director of the Psychology Department.
She is also a Senior Research Associate of the South East European Research Center (SEERC).
Our 60-second interview with Ana:
Could you please tell us what work you do in the field of mental health?
I develop and evaluate non-pharmacological interventions to enhance cognitive and everyday functioning, and overall quality of life, in older adults and in people with dementia. As well as for other populations who experience cognitive and emotional difficulties, such as people with schizophrenia. I use novel digital and/or technological means to design and support the delivery of these interventions.
What do you find most rewarding and inspiring in this work?
Training, and working with, young researchers who share with me their passion and enthusiasm for science. The best reward is being able to make a positive impact, through the interventions, in the life of people who experience difficulties.
What is the most challenging or complicated aspect of this work?
Being able to translate scientific knowledge into real life solutions that are accessible and appealing to the people who will use them, and most importantly that have robust and positive outcomes. Putting all these pieces together is still a very challenging task!
What impact do you hope your work is having - or can potentially have?
I hope we can develop non-pharmacological interventions that will prevent, or substantially delay, the onset of cognitive impairments in older adults, so that we can put more life into the years of older age.
Could you share with us one piece of advice that you follow for your own mental health?
Exercising and self-care are basics for me, but also enjoying time with family and friends, and finding spaces to just enjoy being in the moment.