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Dr Laura Smith, BSc, MSc, PhD

Laura

Lecturer in Health Psychology

Email: l.j.smith@qmul.ac.uk

Profile

I joined QMUL in 2023 as a Lecturer in Health Psychology within the Centre for Preventive Neurology at the Wolfson Institute of Population Health. I am a Research Psychologist and Behavioural Scientist, whose academic training is in neuropsychology. My research applies psychological theories to better understand, assess, and treat neurological conditions. 

I completed my PhD at University of Kent with a thesis on vestibular contributions to cognitive function. I subsequently held postdoctoral positions at the University of Bath (diagnostic tools for dementia) and the University of Nottingham (cognitive problems in multiple sclerosis), before returning to Kent for a Lectureship within the Psychology Department.  

Alongside my research activity, I am Honorary Secretary for the British Neuropsychological Society, Research Adviser for Ménière’s & Vestibular UK, and a Trustee for Tree of Hope Children’s Charity. 

 

Research

Research Interests:

I apply psychological and neuropsychological theories to better understand, assess, and treat neurological conditions. I am a mixed method researcher and use variety of approaches including qualitative analysis, behavioural assessments, electrophysiological recordings of brain activity, and cognitive interventions.

I research a range of topics including:

  • Health and social harms associated with recreational use of nitrous oxide (laughing gas).
  • Psychological aspects of vestibular disorders.
  • Early detection and risk disclosure in neurodegenerative conditions.
  • Lifestyle modifications to delay the onset and progression of neurodegenerative conditions.
  • Social determinants of health in neurological conditions and reducing health inequalities.
  • Comprehensive care and symptom management in neurological conditions.

 

Publications

  • Smith LJ, Jeyaganesh J, Li X et al. (2026). The Use of a Digital Social Forum in a Parkinson’s Disease Risk Cohort: A Thematic Analysis of Forum Messages. nameOfConference


  • Symes I, Jeyaruban P, Zaloum SA et al. (2026). Social determinants of health in recreational nitrous oxide use: a narrative review. nameOfConference


  • Durrani FG, Marshall CR, Waters S et al. (2025). (DIADEM) Digital Assessment of Auditory Perception in Dementia : Study Protocol. nameOfConference


  • Chandra A, Waters S, Liu Y et al. (2025). Complaints linked to vestibular dysfunction are associated with tau pathology and hippocampal volume. nameOfConference


  • Hashi M, Smith L, Patyjewicz M et al. (2025). Evaluation of outcomes for patients with nitrous oxide-related myeloneuropathy treated with self-injection of hydroxocobalamin versus nurse-led injections on an ambulatory care pathway. nameOfConference


  • Walsh S, Klee M, Hui EK et al. (2025). Social determinants of dementia: A scoping review. nameOfConference


  • Binney RJ, Smith LJ, Rossit S et al. (2025). Practical routes to preregistration: a guide to enhanced transparency and rigour in neuropsychological research. nameOfConference


  • Chandra A, Senthilvel K, Anjum R et al. (2025). Cultural variation in trust and acceptability of artificial intelligence diagnostics for dementia. nameOfConference


  • Zaloum SA, Mair D, Paris A et al. (2025). Tackling the growing burden of nitrous oxide-induced public health harms. nameOfConference


  • Chandra A, Anjum R, Waters S et al. (2024). Investigating mediating influences of β‐amyloid on the relationship between marital dissolution and cognition. nameOfConference


View profile publication page

Supervision

  • Anaya Navangul, Alzheimer’s Research UK, A Mixed Methods Exploration of the Impact and Experience of Risk Disclosure for People with Isolated REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder
  • Imogen Collier, Horne Foundation, Experiences and Impacts of Menopause in Multiple Sclerosis
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