Dr Polly Trucco | Associate

Dr Polly Trucco qualified as an occupational therapist in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where she began her career working in neurological rehabilitation. Her interest in evidence-based practice led her to undertake a Master’s degree at the University of La Coruña, after being awarded a scholarship granted by Fundacion Carolina, a Spanish organisation.

Following over a decade of clinical experience across Argentina and Spain, Polly relocated to the United Kingdom in 2019 to pursue a research career. She joined the School of Health Sciences at the University of East Anglia (UEA) as a Research Associate, contributing to research projects focused on Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and dementia.

In 2024, Polly completed her PhD in Health Sciences at the UEA, under Prof Eneida Mioshi’s supervision. Her doctoral research was funded by MND Scotland  and investigated the emotional wellbeing of family carers of people living with MND, with a specific focus on anticipatory grief. This work aimed to advance understanding of carers’ support needs and to inform more effective ways to assist them in managing the challenges of caregiving.

Polly is currently a Postdoctoral Researcher at the UEA, working in Prof Mioshi’s team, where she continues to develop her research in dementia and MND. Her present work focuses on frontotemporal dementia (FTD), particularly the development of an evidence-based intervention to support families living with this condition on the management of behavioural and motor symptoms.

Polly’s research combines her clinical expertise with a strong focus to improving quality of life and psychosocial outcomes for both people with neurodegenerative conditions and their families, reflecting her deep commitment to enhancing wellbeing and supporting them to lead meaningful, fulfilling lives.

https://research-portal.uea.ac.uk/en/persons/ana-paula-trucco