531 | #Inspiring Minds 12: Walking to the Beat: Music, Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation, and Parkinson’s

In this week's episode, hosts Kelly Wang and Mark Ambrogio speak with Marina de Oliveira Emerick, a PhD candidate in Neuroscience. Marina's research looks at the relationship between music and cognition; more specifically, how music and non-invasive brain stimulation can affect walking patterns (gait) in healthy older adults and those with Parkinson's Disease. 

Although walking feels automatic, it relies on brain systems that help us start moving and keep a steady rhythm, which can be disrupted by aging and Parkinson’s. Early studies with young adults show promising improvements in step rhythm when people synchronize their steps to music. Marina is now expanding this work to older adults and those with Parkinson's, which means she is working directly with a clinical population.

In addition to being found on LinkedIn, Marina has a ResearchGate profile. Marina's supervisor is Dr. Jessica Grahn, a cognitive neuroscientist who studies music.

Those in the broader London area may find more information and community support from the Parkinson Society of Southwestern Ontario.



Recorded on Tuesday, December 9, 2025
Produced by Mark Ambrogio and Kelly Wang
Theme song provided by FreeBeats.io (Produced by WhiteHot)