Marta Kaminska
Respiratory issues in neurological diseases, particularly sleep-related breathing disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It is divided in two themes:
In theme 1, she studies聽the interaction between OSA and central nervous system disorders, such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease. On the one hand, neurological disorders may lead to OSA. On the other, treating OSA may help specific symptoms and quality of life in those patients.
Theme 2 relates to various aspects of respiratory care of patients with neuromuscular diseases (which cause muscle weakness). Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is such a disease, causing progressive weakening of respiratory muscles leading to respiratory failure. She has been studying the measurement of respiratory strength, lung volume recruitment manoeuvres (a technique that helps maintain lung health), and new modes of adjusting a ventilator for long term use at home.