Brain Imaging Methods in Neuropsychiatry

Electrophysiology is an essential tool to measure basic neuronal properties and assess how neurons communicate with each other. Electrophysiological approachesgive access to a higher level of resolution than most brain-imaging methods, and demonstrate which receptors and channels are in the membrane and able to affect neuronal function. Such cellular and temporal resolution is valuable to show how neuronal communication is altered in rodent models of human mental illness and by psychoactive drugs and medicines. The chapter begins with a review of neuronal physiology, discusses the typical tools used by electrophysiologists, and then gives examples of how electrophysiological approaches are relevant to understanding the neurobiology and treatment of mental illness.

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Current Opinions in Brain Imaging Methods and Applications

Brain Topography ◽

10.1007/s10548-019-00747-3 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 32 (6) ◽

pp. 923-925

Author(s):

Christoph M. Michel ◽

Patrik Vuilleumier ◽

Dimitri Van De Ville

Keyword(s):

Brain Imaging ◽

Imaging Methods

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Frontiers in Brain Imaging Methods Grand Challenge

Frontiers in Neuroscience ◽

10.3389/fnins.2012.00096 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 6 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Jean-Baptiste Poline ◽

Russell A. Poldrack

Keyword(s):

Brain Imaging ◽

Grand Challenge ◽

Imaging Methods

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Changes in Metabolic Activity and Gait Function by Dual-Task Cognitive Game-Based Treadmill System in Parkinson’s Disease: Protocol of a Randomized Controlled Trial

Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience ◽

10.3389/fnagi.2021.680270 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 ◽

Author(s):

Tony Szturm ◽

Tiffany A. Kolesar ◽

Bhuvan Mahana ◽

Andrew L. Goertzen ◽

Douglas E. Hobson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Parkinson’S Disease ◽

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Brain Imaging ◽

Cognitive Deficits ◽

Dual Task ◽

Cognitive Functions ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Treadmill Walking ◽

Imaging Methods ◽

Randomized Controlled

Balance and gait impairments, and consequently, mobility restrictions and falls are common in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Various cognitive deficits are also common in PD and are associated with increased fall risk. These mobility and cognitive deficits are limiting factors in a person’s health, ability to perform activities of daily living, and overall quality of life. Community ambulation involves many dual-task (DT) conditions that require processing of several cognitive tasks while managing or reacting to sudden or unexpected balance challenges. DT training programs that can simultaneously target balance, gait, visuomotor, and cognitive functions are important to consider in rehabilitation and promotion of healthy active lives. In the proposed multi-center, randomized controlled trial (RCT), novel behavioral positron emission tomography (PET) brain imaging methods are used to evaluate the molecular basis and neural underpinnings of: (a) the decline of mobility function in PD, specifically, balance, gait, visuomotor, and cognitive function, and (b) the effects of an engaging, game-based DT treadmill walking program on mobility and cognitive functions. Both the interactive cognitive game tasks and treadmill walking require continuous visual attention, and share spatial processing functions, notably to minimize any balance disturbance or gait deviation/stumble. The ability to “walk and talk” normally includes activation of specific regions of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and the basal ganglia (site of degeneration in PD). The PET imaging analysis and comparison with healthy age-matched controls will allow us to identify areas of abnormal, reduced activity levels, as well as areas of excessive activity (increased attentional resources) during DT-walking. We will then be able to identify areas of brain plasticity associated with improvements in mobility functions (balance, gait, and cognition) after intervention. We expect the gait-cognitive training effect to involve re-organization of PFC activity among other, yet to be identified brain regions. The DT mobility-training platform and behavioral PET brain imaging methods are directly applicable to other diseases that affect gait and cognition, e.g., cognitive vascular impairment, Alzheimer’s disease, as well as in aging.

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