Neuropsychology Neuroimaging Laboratory

Barrow scientists and physicians are conducting research on higher cerebral functions and rehabilitation outcomes with a goal of continually improving care and understanding of the central mystery of how the brain produces the mind. One of the most exciting areas of research at Barrow uses high-powered magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to define areas of the brain that control specific functions. This technique, called functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), is opening doors to help clinicians understand how language, movement, and memory functions are represented in the brain and how the brain recovers after injury.

The goal of the Neuropsychology Neuroimaging Laboratory is to examine the effects of neurological diseases and injuries on cognition. State-of-the-art neuroimaging techniques, functional magnetic resonance imaging, and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) are used in conjunction with neuropsychological measures to map both functional recovery and deterioration.  The Neuropsychology Neuroimaging Laboratory primarily focuses on patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease, traumatic brain injury, epilepsy, and other disorders.

Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an irreversible neurodegenerative disorder.  Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease.  However, as better treatments are developed, it may be possible to delay the onset of the disease enough to minimize the impact of this devastating disease.  Identifying people in the earliest stage of the disease is crucial for assessing the effectiveness of new treatments.  Research in the Neuroimaging Laboratory is focused on using magnetic resonance imaging and cognitive techniques to distinguish normal changes in memory functioning during aging from brain changes that occur during the early stages of Alzheimer's disease.

Traumatic Brain Injury

Several projects are also being conducted on recovery of function. Researchers are examining structural and functional brain changes during the first 6 months after a traumatic brain injury.  Findings thus far indicate that patients with a traumatic brain injury develop atrophy during this postacute phase.  Dr. Shawn Gale obtained funding for a pilot project examining the effects of a remote history of head injury on brain functioning in elderly subjects with and without memory problems.