Woroud Alzaher
Doctoral candidate Woroud Alzaher is researching the challenges of ageing well with cerebral palsy for her PhD thesis.
Key facts
Programme: PhD
Research topic: An investigation of the priorities for, and determinants of
health and function in adults with Cerebral Palsy
Supervisor: Dr Sian Williams and Professor Susan Stott (FMHS)
Woroud Alzaher, a doctoral candidate at the Liggins Institute, is investigating the complexities of ageing in adults with cerebral palsy (CP), a physical disability often affecting mobility, coordination, and overall health. Motivated by her experience working with the New Zealand Cerebral Palsy Register and insights from a close friend, Woroud aims to fill a significant knowledge gap as CP studies have predominantly centred on children. Her research seeks to identify the health challenges that adults with CP face, such as fatigue, increased vulnerability to certain illnesses, and gaps in preventative care within the medical system. Through structured interviews with participants aged 30 and above, Woroud is gathering data to better understand the needs of this population and the adjustments required in health services to support healthy ageing for adults with lifelong disabilities.
Ageing with a disability is quite different to acquiring disability in older age. But our health services and aged care cater to people as they age typically, not someone who’s had a disability their whole life.
To learn more about Woroud's research read our news story - Liggins research tackles cerebral palsy and ageing.