Publications & Research

Improving Conversations about Parkinson's Dementia

Dobreva I, Thomas J, Marr A, O'Connell R, Roche M, Hannaway N, Dore C, Rose S, Laban K, Bhome R, Bhattacharyya S, Rohrer J, Archibald N, Alston D, Amar K, Edwards E, Foley J, Haunton V, Henderson E, Jha A, Lindop F, Magee C, Massey L, Mohamed B, Patterson K, Ramaswamy B, Schrag A, Silverdale M, Suarez-Gonzalez A, Surendranathan A, Shu I, Foltynie T, Williams-Gray C, Yarnall A, Carroll C, Hugill C, Thomas JA, Weil RS.

A peer-reviewed clinical study documenting the co-development of information resources to improve conversations about Parkinson's dementia. Working with 34 participants living with Parkinson's and their carers, alongside UCL neurologists, public engagement experts, and artists, the project used creative visual art workshops at Central Saint Martins to surface fears, stigma, and barriers around dementia discussion — producing two nationally distributed clinical resources as outputs. O'Connell's role encompassed conception, organisation, recruitment, execution, and manuscript review (author roles: 1A, 1B, 1C, 3B).

Thinking and Memory Changes in Parkinson's

Co-developed by UCL, Parkinson's UK, and artists including Ruairiadh O'Connell · Led by Dr Rimona Weil, Consultant Neurologist, UCL / National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery

A nationally distributed patient-facing booklet co-produced through creative workshops at Central Saint Martins with people living with Parkinson's, their carers, and 25 clinical experts from across the UK. The resource addresses thinking and memory changes in Parkinson's — a topic frequently avoided in clinical settings — providing accessible information on symptoms, specialist consultation, medication, and practical support. Designed for patients, families, and carers. Freely available in print and online through Parkinson's UK.

A Toolkit for Detecting and Managing Parkinson's Dementia

Co-developed by UCL, Parkinson's UK Excellence Network, and artists including Ruairiadh O'Connell · Led by Dr Rimona Weil, Consultant Neurologist, UCL / National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery

A clinical reference toolkit for movement disorder neurologists, geriatricians, Parkinson's nurses, and other NHS healthcare professionals working with people living with Parkinson's. Co-developed through creative workshops and expert focus groups, the resource provides practical guidance on recognising and diagnosing Parkinson's dementia, treatment strategies, and pathways for patient and carer support. Distributed through the Parkinson's UK Excellence Network to clinical professionals across the UK.

Patterns of Perception in Parkinson's Disease (PoP-PD)

The research and creative collaboration from which the peer-reviewed paper and both clinical publications emerged. Led by Dr Rimona Weil (UCL), with O'Connell as co-artist alongside Anne Marr (Central Saint Martins). The project used creative workshops to open conversations about Parkinson's dementia, producing research data, peer-reviewed findings, and two NHS clinical resources. Funded by the Wellcome Trust. Awarded the Parkinson's UK Excellence Network Award 2023.

Patterns of Perception

The earlier phase of the collaboration, funded by the UCL Knowledge Exchange and Innovation Fund. Creative workshops spanning textiles, dance, and visual art explored the lived experience of Parkinson's with participants, English National Ballet, and UCL researchers — producing visual diaries, textile banners, and a co-designed vocabulary of lived experience that formed the conceptual foundation for the subsequent PoP-PD research.