CPFT psychologist wins international award for research
Psychologist Dr Ratko Radakovic has received an international award and recognition for his outstanding research in ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), a disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing loss of muscle control.
Ratko was awarded the Young Investigator Award silver medal by the European Network to Cure ALS (ENCALS) at their annual meeting in Stockholm. At the award ceremony, Professor Ammar Al-Chalabi (pictured right), chair of the ENCALS Award Committee, praised clinical psychologist Ratko (left) and gold medallist Dr Rubika Balendra (centre) for their contribution to ALS research.
The ENCALS Young Investigator Award recognises the brightest and best young scientists in ALS and is awarded for projects that offer new ideas, challenge existing ideas about ALS, deliver results for patient benefit, and improve understanding of ALS.
Ratko said: “This is a really great and humbling award, and somewhat surprising as well, as psychologists and neuropsychologists do not often receive it in this field. I’m glad to represent the profession and work towards improving care and support to help people with ALS.”
Ratko joined CPFT’s Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment Team (CRHTT) in October 2023 and his ALS research blends the different fields of neuropsychology in neurodegenerative disease with cognitive psychology to improve care and understanding. Ratko investigated how behaviours and thinking patterns affect apathy as a clinical syndrome, leading to the development of the Dimensional Apathy Scale (DAS). In ALS, apathy may be masked by physical disability and the DAS was designed to identify if inactivity is related to physical problems or lack of motivation.
Ratko’s study found that people with ALS had difficulties with generating and initiating ideas, which differed from other neurodegenerative disorders like dementia and Parkinson’s Disease.
He demonstrated that apathy can arise from cognitive and behavioural changes in ALS, challenging the idea that it was a part of a depression reaction to the diagnosis.
Dr Nick Oliver, Director of Psychological Services at CPFT said: “I was thrilled to hear about Ratko’s award recognising his important work to improve understanding of apathy in ALS and its impact on people suffering with this neurodegenerative condition. It’s a great example of a psychologist making a real contribution through their research, that will help to support ALS patients and inform further research activity. Congratulations Ratko, from all of us in the psychological professions!”
Find psychologist roles with CPFT’s Adult and Specialist services in our current vacancies.
