Allie Vaiana , PhD , searches for better ways to target Parkinson ’ s symptoms .
10 Fox Focus | Research
Focus on Translational Research
Allie Vaiana , PhD , searches for better ways to target Parkinson ’ s symptoms .
By Kat Mehlhorn
Allie Vaiana , PhD
Allie Vaiana , PhD , is a senior scientific portfolio manager on MJFF ’ s translational research team . She graduated from Texas A & M University with a bachelor ’ s degree in biomedical science and a minor in psychology and later completed her PhD in Neuroscience at UT Health San Antonio . In our new researcher spotlight series , we learn more about Allie ’ s work .
What is translational research ? How is it different from basic or clinical research ? Translational research is work that can have an early impact in the clinic . We ’ re answering questions that focus on the human perspective — how can we use our findings to immediately benefit a human clinical trial or even uncover more about human biology ? My work addresses questions we don ’ t currently have answers to about the first signs of Parkinson ’ s in the body , such as smell loss or constipation . The goal is to better target some of these symptoms , most of which aren ’ t met by existing therapies , and ultimately prevent them .
How does your background in studying circuitry in the brain apply to your work in Parkinson ’ s ? We all have ( mostly ) the same brain , and understanding how it works in one disease can also help answer questions in another . Especially when we think about the similarities between Parkinson ’ s , Alzheimer ’ s , ALS and other brain diseases , understanding how certain regions of the brain are affected and the symptoms that manifest across each is very important . Having researchers at MJFF with varied backgrounds allows us to bring different expertise to the table and offer new ways to develop solutions .
How does the patient perspective inform your work ? I ’ m involved in community events , such as MJFF ’ s Parkinson ’ s IQ + You , where I interact with patients and see not only the impact that the Foundation can have , but hear the questions patients are asking . I talk to patients who have experienced symptoms I ’ m working to address . It impacts how we