Using non-invasive imaging (fMRI) to study Frontal Lobe Function In Attention

Study code
CBR7

Lead researcher
Dr Adrian Owens

Study type
Participant re-contact

Institution or company
MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit

Researcher type
Academic

Speciality area
Neurological Disorders

Recruitment Site
Cambridge

Summary

In this study, we are investigating the processes by which we are able to control the focus of our behaviour.

We can learn a great deal about how the brain works by looking at the blood flow to different parts of the brain whilst the brain performs different tasks. By taking a series of images whilst you perform a task we can build up a picture of the brain areas activated by this type of function.

The study aims to use Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) to disassociate various mental processes such as strategy formation and cognitive flexibility. It is hoped that a set of tasks will be identified which will have use in the investigation of conditions such as Parkinson's and OCD, with the long-term aim of producing the most effective treatment methods.

 

Participation: For this study we recruited 13 volunteers from the Cambridge BioResource to have an MRI scan.

Organisation: This study is organised by Dr Adrian Owens from the University of Cambridge.