On April 12th, the RP-CNBI welcomed national and international speakers to a symposium on neuromodulation in aging and dementia!
This symposium was supported via Dr. Benjamin Hampstead, Stanley Berent Ph.D. Collegiate Professor of Psychology’s NIH R35 Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia (ADRD) Leadership Award. Sessions provided an overview of the ways in which neuromodulation can be used to enhance functioning in older adults across the “normal” to dementia spectrum. The speakers discussed different forms of neuromodulation, such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), with a focus on how these tools may serve as effective treatments for cognitive, emotional, motor, and pain disorders. Presenters reviewed methodological factors that may impact outcomes as well as evidence of neurophysiological impacts.
Dr. Hampstead, Program Director of the RP-CNBI hosted the symposium. Speakers included Dr Min-Fang Kuo, Ph.D., Senior Research Scientist, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, Dortmund, Germany, Dr. Alex Iordan, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, RP-CNBI, University of Michigan, Kayla Rinna, M.S. RP-CNBI, University of Michigan, Dr. Alexandre DaSilva, D.D.S., Associate Professor of Dentistry, School of Dentistry and Research, University of Michigan, Dr. Michael Nitsche, M.D. Scientific Director, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, Dortmund, Germany, Dr. Stephanie Aghamoosa, Ph.D. Medical University of South Carolina, and Dr. Michael Vesia, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Kinesiology, School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan.
Posted on April 24, 2024
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If you are interested in applying to one of our open positions please click the link below to learn more about the role(s) and how to apply! To learn more about the RP-CNBI, we encourage you to explore this website and if you have any questions, you may message Program Manager Eileen Robinson, RN-BC, M.P.H., CCRC at robinsoe@med.umich.edu.
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 suffering from 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.