WIP Special

Investigating the long-term effects of targeted reactivation of memories during sleep using M/EEG (Long-TRM)

Presented by Anna Guttesen and Mats Van Es 

Abstract: How do newly formed memories change in the longer term? Sleep is thought to support the reactivation and reorganisation of newly formed memories. One method to investigate memory reactivation during sleep is called targeted memory reactivation (TMR), which involves associating items with sounds during wake and replaying these sounds during sleep to enhance memory retention. Considering that little is known about the lasting benefits of TMR, this study will explore the long-term effects of TMR on memory retention across 22 days. Participants will undergo memory sessions using sound-image associations, with half of the sounds played during subsequent sleep. In addition, we will investigate changes in memory representations with M/EEG during learning and testing phases, and EEG during the overnight phase. This pilot study will provide initial mechanistic insights into the trajectory of sleep-associated memory consolidation with TMR and assess its lasting benefits for future research and potential clinical applications. 

 Diffusion Tensor MRI to assess Regeneration of the Median Nerve

Presented by Max Stewart

Abstract: We are running a project using electrical nerve stimulation to promote regeneration of the median nerve in patients undergoing surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome. We plan to use diffusion tensor imaging to better understand how these treatments affect the structure of the nerve, particularly measures through to reflect remyelination, intra-neural edema and axonal architecture. We plan to image a total of 48 patients, first before and then again 3 months after carpal tunnel surgery. Half of these patients will have undergone nerve stimulation in addition to surgery, half will have had surgery + placebo. We hope the MR data will provide new insights regarding how both nerve decompression surgery and electrical nerve stimulation alter the structure of nerves in the upper limb. 

Measuring the effects of Zolpidem vs. Donepezil on processing ambiguous visual input and brain chemistry

Presented by Polytimi Frangou 

Abstract: What role do different neurotransmitters play in visual processing? We are interested in understanding the ways GABA and Acetylcholine support processing of the world around us. In this study, we are inviting volunteers for three sessions where we administer Zolpidem -a GABA agonist-, Donepezil -an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor- or Placebo. We will use visual tasks to quantify any changes in low-level and high-level visual processing following drug administration. We will also measure changes in cortical excitability using TMS protocols that are designed to quantify GABAergic and Cholinergic activity. This study will disentangle the role of GABA and Acetylcholine in different visual processes and inform our MRI follow up study.