NWO-XS grants for Psychology researchers
Researchers Marit Ruitenberg and Janna Marie Bas-Hoogendam have received NWO-XS grants for their research projects on freezing in Parkinson’s disease and the neurobiology of social anxiety. The grant supports innovative, curiosity-driven research within the social sciences and humanities.
Little brain, big impact? Exploring the anatomy of the cerebellum in social anxiety in an international mega-analysis
Janna Marie Bas-Hoogendam is investigating the neurobiology of social anxiety disorder by performing an international mega-analysis of existing MRI scans. The project focuses on the cerebellum, a brain region traditionally associated with motor function, but increasingly recognized as playing an important role in emotions, social cognition, and anxiety-related processes.
Social anxiety disorder has a major impact, especially on the development of young people, while current treatments are not always effective. ‘We still do not fully understand the brain mechanisms underlying social anxiety,’ says Bas-Hoogendam. ‘With this research, we aim to gain a better understanding of the role the cerebellum plays in this disorder.’
The study will be conducted within the international ENIGMA-Anxiety consortium, in collaboration with Dr. Kristoffer Månsson and his team at the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm. The findings may contribute to the development of more targeted treatments for social anxiety in the future.
Lost in space? Spatial abilities as a key component of freezing of gait problems in Parkinson’s disease
Researcher Marit Ruitenberg is studying “freezing of gait,” a phenomenon experienced by approximately 65% of people with Parkinson’s disease. Patients often describe it as feeling as though their feet are glued to the floor. ‘Freezing is difficult to understand because it is not caused by a single problem, but rather by disruptions in multiple brain networks involved in controlling movement.’
With this project, Ruitenberg and her team are exploring the innovative idea that impaired spatial abilities may play an important role in freezing episodes. ‘We know from anecdotal reports that freezing seems to occur particularly when people walk through doorways, pass a coffee table, or need to turn around in a narrow space.’
In addition, Ruitenberg is investigating whether cognitive training aimed at improving spatial abilities could help reduce freezing symptoms. She is conducting this research in collaboration with Ineke van der Ham, professor of neuropsychology and specialist in spatial cognition.