Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study in MND

Exploring the Brain in MND: Integrating Brain Imaging, Neuropsychology and Neural Engineering

Technological advances in radiology have led to the development of very high resolution brain scanning using MRI. Advanced computer programming has been developed that can distinguish different parts of the brain, separating grey from white matter, and tracking pathways from one part of the nervous system to another.   3T MRI imaging of MND has been developed in Trinity College Dublin and the University of Edinburgh, and detailed mathematical analysis of brain structure will help to identify neural networks that may be altered in MND.

 Very detailed neuropsychological testing has been developed by our researchers to determine the extent to which other parts of the brain are affected in MND.  Subtle changes in cognitive performance have been identified in some patients, and our researchers are working to  correlate these  subtle changes in cognitive performance with changes on brain imaging.

Collaborations with neural engineers are also underway to help to identify electrical patterns that will correlate with imaging and neuropsychological changes.  The ultimate aim is to find a “fingerprint” of ALS that can then be used to test the effectiveness of new drugs.   

A closer look: