The overall goal of this research is to examine the relationship between brain structural changes and cognitive function in healthy aging. We are particularly interested in how the brain regulates attention in healthy older adults.

Funded by National Institute on Aging (RO1-AG18030)

The principal and long-range goal of these studies is to examine ways in which developmental abnormality of the cerebellum could result in cognitive and clinical symptoms that are found in autism. We are particularly interested in whether the cerebellum may be important for rapid response to changes in the sensory environment.

Funded by National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (1RO1 NS42639)

An additional set of studies examines factors that may affect the way individuals with autism integrate auditory and visual information. Problems fusing sights and sounds may contribute to serious problems with language and communication. The long-term goal of these studies is to develop interventions to improve auditory-visual integration.

Funded by the National Alliance for Autism Research.

We are studying typically developing 6 and 7 year old boys to learn how the brain develops connections during childhood. The study will use EEG (electroencephalography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) to examine patterns of brain activity and brain growth. Volunteers will play a video game while their EEG is recorded, and have an MRI brain scan a few days later, and then one year later.

Our goal in this study is to determine to what extent the degree of coherent activity between connected brain regions is correlated with the growth of those connections during development. Our hypothesis is that differences in brain size during development will alter the degree of coherent activity and, in turn, the patterns of growth of physical connectivity. This study will draw on variation within typically developing children to test this hypothesis.

Funded by the Kavli Institute for Mind and Brain.

Methods Involved:

We will ask subjects for our studies to participate in some of the following:

• neuropsychological evaluation
• structural MRI scan to collect images of brain anatomy
• functional MRI scan to collect information about brain regions that become activated during a task
• ERP in which electrodes will be attached to your scalp through a cap and electrical signal produced by your brain is recorded while you perform a task.
• behavioral version of the ERP task where no electrodes are used.

• One or two sessions of fun, game-like tests measuring attention, memory, and motor skills will be scheduled. These tests will be conducted in our La Jolla center.

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• One 30 minute MRI brain scan will be conducted at UCSD Center for Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging in La Jolla.
• Structural MRI gives a picture of the brain. We will be making detailed measurements on the size of different brain structures.
• Structural MRIs are non-invasive procedures.
• All MRI sessions are conducted inside a large magnet.

 

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• FMRI uses the same scanner as a structural MRI. During an FMRI scan, you will be asked to relax inside the scanner and press a button in response to images displayed on a screen.
• This scan highlights brain regions activated during the task.

 

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• ERP sessions will take place in our La Jolla center. We will place a conductive gel in your hair and attach electrodes to your scalp.
• This procedure is non-invasive.
• We will do our best to ensure that you are comfortable at all times.
• While wearing the cap, you will relax in an easy chair and press a button in response to images displayed on a computer screen. ERP sessions last about two hours, and are used to obtain a picture of one's brain waves.

 

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