DENTON (UNT), Texas — For Bradley McDaniels, his research at the University of North Texas is driven by a heartfelt connection. His mother’s battle with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) shaped his career, strengthening his resolve to improve the quality of life for those living with the condition.

“My unwavering passion for Parkinson’s research stems from a deeply personal place — my mother's diagnosis,” said McDaniels, an assistant professor in UNT’s Department of Rehabilitation and Health Services. “Every tremor, every moment of frustration and every hurdle she faces serve as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for advancements in treatment and care.”

While PD is categorized as a movement disorder, its impact extends far beyond motor symptoms. McDaniels focuses on the emotional and psychological challenges of the disease — particularly apathy, which affects up to 50% of those with PD and has limited treatment options. To address this, he collaborates with leading researchers from UCLA, Johns Hopkins, Yale and UC San Francisco, working to find new ways to support patients.

In a recent study, McDaniels and his team explored the connection between meaning in life and apathy in PD patients. Surveying 237 participants, they found a strong negative correlation, suggesting that a greater sense of meaning could help reduce apathy. These findings highlight a promising new direction for treatment, focusing on self-efficacy, resilience, social support, and psychological flexibility as ways to improve emotional well-being.

“In chronic illnesses, meaning in life is tied to better emotional health, optimism and even cognitive stability,” McDaniels said. “If we can help people with PD find that meaning, we may be able to improve their overall quality of life.”

McDaniels’ work is part of a broader effort within UNT’s College of Health and Public Service to advance rehabilitation research and improve patient care. Home to the No. 1 graduate rehabilitation counseling program ranked in Texas and ranked 13th nationally by U.S. News & World Report, UNT is leading the way in training experts and developing innovative approaches to support health and well-being.

“Dr. McDaniels’ research exemplifies UNT’s dedication to addressing real-world health challenges through cutting-edge studies and meaningful collaborations," said Nicole Dash, dean of the College of Health and Public Service. "Across the college, our faculty are committed to conducting research that drives progress and positively impacts communities.”

McDaniels and his team are now studying how stigma affects people with PD — especially how it impacts their confidence in managing their condition — and ways to lessen the negative impact.

“The shadow of stigma cast upon PD can relentlessly undermine a person’s self-efficacy, crippling their motivation to actively manage their condition,” McDaniels said. “With 90,000 new cases each year, the impact is growing. We need to do more than find a cure — we must also confront the daily challenges that affect quality of life.”