Maria Mataro is a professor at the department of Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology at the University of Barcelona. She has published over 80 research articles, obtained the Fulbright visiting scholar award for advanced research at the University of Pittsburgh in 2017, and, in 2018, the full professor position and the ICREA Academia award. She has been the principal investigator in five competitive national projects and participated in two European projects. Maria Mataro’s track record also shows how she pursues knowledge integration, working with an international multidisciplinary team with the new generation of biological markers and neuroimaging. Her aim is to help clinicians, academics, stakeholders, and politicians to reach better-informed decisions and to empower citizens with the necessary knowledge and competencies to promote well-being and healthy and active aging.

Research interests

Her research interest focuses on healthy aging and cerebrovascular disease. Her study of the neurobiological bases of the cognitive deficits associated with vascular risk factors has contributed to the identification of cognitive-related cerebrovascular markers that might be critical in the early detection of individuals at high risk of cognitive decline. These include neuroimaging, sonographic, and blood markers.

The need for prevention and treatment of brain and cognitive decline associated with normal aging and disease led to the development of her current research projects. They aim to help to characterize the neurobiological mechanisms underlying lifestyle and behavioral interventions, such as physical exercise, cognitive training, and mindfulness, for cognitive and emotional enhancement, neuroprotection, and recovery, in healthy populations as well as in neurological patients and to promote the development of novel strategies in the field of neurorehabilitation.

Keywords

Neuropsychology, neuroimaging, neuroplasticity, aging, cerebrovascular disease, physical activity