Brain Network Study Reveals Insights into Behavior Changes related to Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)

A new study from researchers at RP-CNBI reveals critical links between tau protein buildup in the brain and the Salience Network, a major brain network responsible for processing emotions. The study shows that greater disruption of the Salience Network in the presence of tau is associated with more severe behavioral changes in the early stages of AD. These findings highlight the Salience Network as a potential target for neuromodulation-based interventions aimed at mitigating behavioral changes in AD.  

Michigan Medicine Press Release: https://www.michiganmedicine.org/health-lab/brain-network-study-reveals-clues-about-dementias-behavior-changes

Link to paper:  https://alz-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/alz.14229?af=R


The Importance

Each year, millions of Americans are left with cognitive, emotional, and behavioral deficits after sustaining a neurologic injury or developing a neurologic disease. These deficits can contribute to significant problems in everyday functioning, thereby reducing one’s independence and quality of life. Family members are often also affected by such change due to the increased caregiving needs, change in roles, and other related stressors. As many patients and their families know all too well, there are few treatment options for these cognitive and functional deficits. Although the fields of Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuropsychology have made remarkable advancements in the ability to evaluate “normal” brain functioning as well as the changes that occur after neurologic injury and disease, relatively little work has attempted to directly translate this knowledge to develop more effective treatments.

Our Mission

The primary mission of the Research Program on Cognition and Neuromodulation Based Interventions (RP-CNBI) is to identify and provide effective treatments for those with neurologic injury and disease. We strive to bridge the knowledge gap between academic-based research and real-world clinical practice in order to enhance functioning and quality of life in affected individuals. While we primarily focus on methods to assist older adults, including those with dementia, we remain committed to other causes of cognitive and functional impairment.

We integrate neuropsychological theory, modern neuroimaging methods, and a range of non-pharmacologic treatments in order to:

1) Understand changes in brain structure and function that underlie cognitive, emotional, and functional deficits

2) Establish research treatment “targets” that guide the selection of appropriate interventions

3) Evaluate research treatment-related changes in functioning 

Potential research treatments include a range of non-pharmacologic methods such as cognitive rehabilitation and non-invasive brain stimulation (e.g., transcranial direct current stimulation – tDCS). Our ultimate goal is to establish empirical support for non-pharmacologic treatments and to disseminate the resulting methods for widespread clinical use.

Support our Mission:

Participate in Research

The Research Program on Cognition and Neuromodulation Based Interventions is currently conducting a range of federally- and privately-supported research studies. Click here to view our currently enrolling studies. If you, or a loved one, are interested in learning more about our studies as a potential participant, please fill out the link below:


Donate 

Philanthropic support is especially important since each patient embodies a unique set of strengths, weaknesses, and needs that require an individualized approach that is not compatible with most forms of federal funding. We view each case as an opportunity to form a partnership and work to understand the needs and goal of each individual when developing the research interventions. We appreciate gifts of any amount, so please consider supporting our work. 

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Our program is committed to providing a welcoming environment which does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, religion, gender, gender identity, political persuasion or sexual orientation.