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Since its inception, the QEEG Lab has pursued a number of inter-related research programs. At present, our work examines questions about
We have been fortunate to receive suppport from the National Institutes of Health, from private foundations such as the National Alliance for Research in Schizophrenia and Depression (NARSAD), from the Veterans Administration, from private philanthropists, and from industrial sponsors, to conduct our research. | ||||
| Normal Aging | ||||
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What happens in the brain when we age? Changes in the brain's structure have been described in the scientific research literature, as well as changes in how these structural elements perform their functions. Much of this work has focused on individuals with brain disorders, such as Alzheimer's Disease or Vascular Dementia, and while we examine those conditions as well, we are interested in the characteristics of what might be termed "successful aging."
(current NIMH grants
R01 MH40705 (Dr. Leuchter, PI),
K02 MH01165 (Dr. Leuchter, PI))
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| Memory and Cognition | ||||
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What can we learn about how memory and other intellectual processes work by studying the brain's activity? When a person develops a clinically-significant impairment, such as dementia, how is brain function changed? Can measures of brain function with QEEG be helpful in determining the correct diagnosis or whether a person is responding to treatment for a brain disorder? We are examining subjects with dementia (Alzheimer's Disease and Vascular Dementia, for example), with "age associated memory impairment" to expand what we know about how the disordered brain works different from a brain not exhibiting memory or cognitive disturbances. We also undertaking pilot studies in using QEEG techniques to examine how the brain processes information outside of conscious awareness, for example, in the course of listening to music or watching advertisements.
(current NIH grants
R01 MH40705 (Dr. Leuchter, PI),
K02 MH01165 (Dr. Leuchter, PI),
P50 AG16570 (Dr. Cummings, PI)
R01 MH58156 (Dr. Small, PI), and
support from the ICRL (Dr. Cook, PI))
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| Disorders of Mood | ||||
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How does the brain function differently when a person is suffering from a major, clinical depression? Can differences in brain structure and function be related to the development of a mood disorder? Can measures of brain function be used to predict which antidepressant medication will be successful for treatment of a particular patient? Can changes in brain function during treatment be used clinically to guide treatment? How do different types of medication affect the brain? We have undertaken open-label studies in which patients receive "care as usual," as well as controlled clinical trials using double-masked placebo controlled designs and specific antidepressant medications. A number of our projects are currently enrolling subjects who live in the Los Angeles area, and more information can be obtained by calling our study hotline at (310) 825-3351.
(support from NARSAD (Dr. Cook, PI),
NIH grants
R01 MH40705 (Dr. Leuchter, PI),
and industrial support from a number of different manufacturers of antidepressant medications)
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| Substance Abuse and Addiction |
How is brain function altered by addictive substances? how long do these changes last? are there differences between different but related compounds (for example, the stimulants cocaine, methamphetamine, dexamphetamine, nicotine)? can a medication that blocks the physiologic changes of an addictive drug be used in treatment for substance abuse? We have undertaken projects in which chemically-depedent subjects are studied naturalistically as they maintain their abstinence and at times when they have relapsed and are using again. Compounds with potential for blocking the "high" are being examined for their physiologic signatures.
(NIH grants
K08 DA00388 (Dr. Newton, PI)
and support from the Veterans Administration)
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| Basic Neurobiology |
How can we integrate multiple perspectives to learn more about the brain and the mind?
At times we have looked at more fundamental aspects of brain function to expand what we
know about how the brain works. In our efforts to understand more about what the electrical
signals reflect, we have simultaneously measured electrical activity at the scalp and
the patterns of blood flow within the brain (PET scanning); we have measured the activity
of the brain in its resting state and when the mind is engaged in some task (a motor task
like squeezing one's hand, or a cognitive task like remembering a series of objects);
we have monitored brain function as psychoactive medications are administered, either
orally or by intravenous infusion. Our work in this area led to the development of
Cordance, a new QEEG measure that reflects cerebral energy utilization. Work with
animal models has expanded our ability to relate electrical measurements at the
scalp to electrical measurements within the brain, and to relate these, in turn, to
observations about the animals' behavior.
(current NIH grants
R01 MH40705 (Dr. Leuchter, PI),
K02 MH01165 (Dr. Leuchter, PI),
K08 MH01483 (Dr. Cook, PI),
support from NARSAD (Dr. Cook, PI)
support from the Veterans Administration (Dr. Leuchter, PI),
and foundation support (Dr. Holschneider, PI))
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| The Role of the Blood Brain Barrier (BBB) in Drug Sensitivity |
Why are some people very sensitive to medications and develop side effects at low doses, while
others can take "full strength" doses without problem? why are elderly people particularly
sensitive to this affliction? Since physicians tend to initiate treatment at low doses and
adjust the dose gradually in older patients, many people are "undertreated" for prolonged
periods. The "brain's gatekeeper," the blood brain barrier (BBB), may behave differently in
people who are particularly sensitive to drug effects. We are studying people who experience
this problem and people who can take medications without difficulty to look for functional
and structural differences in the BBB.
(NIH grant
K08 MH01483 (Dr. Cook, PI))
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| Brain Activity during Treatment with Placebo |
One of the most puzzling facts of medicine is the placebo effect: namely, that a substantial
proportion of patients report feeling a relief better after receiving a "sugar pill," or some
other treatment with no known benefit for their illness. Between 30 - 60% of patients with
illnesses ranging from arthritis to depression report a substantial improvement in their
symptoms after receiving a placebo. It is not clear that placebo can "cure" any illness,
but the power of the placebo effect in improving symptoms and reducing suffering is impressive.
Our research program in this area is designed to help us understand how placebo effects occur
and how to distinguish between people who are exhibiting a placebo response and those
responding to the specific treatment (e.g. medication).
(Grant funding is pending (Dr. Leuchter, PI))
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