A reinforcement learning model of striatal dysfunction in dystonia.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A behavioral and functional magnetic resonance imaging study of reinforcement learning in idiopathic focal dystonia.
IRAS ID
152772
Contact name
Douglas Steele
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Dundee
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Dystonia is a common movement disorder characterized by involuntary movements and posturing which affects around 70,000 patients in the UK.
The precise mechanisms whereby Dystonic posturing are caused are unknown, however, abnormal neuronal function within an area of the brain known as the Striatum is thought to play a key role. In both animal models of Dystonia and imaging studies of patients with Dystonia, evidence for impaired dopamine neurotransmission within the Striatum have been found. Under physiological conditions, Dopamine within the Striatum is thought to be critical for learning how to reinforce actions according the their associated rewards. In this study we propose that patients with Dystonia have a specific reward based learning deficit which can be predicted from the previous imaging and animal models of Dystonia. By charactering this deficit we hope to provide a link between these previous studies and a behavioural model which will provide a novel insight into how Dystonic symptoms arise.
We intend to conduct two stages of the study. In the first we wish to characterise the behavioural deficit using a reinforcement learning paradigm and machine learning based models to model this behaviour. In the second stage of the study a neuroimaging approach will be performed to define the neuro-anatomical correlate of this deficit.
In summary, the intended project will aim to provide new insights into the patho-physiology of Dystonia, using a behavioural modelling and neuroimaging approach.
REC name
East of Scotland Research Ethics Service REC 2
REC reference
14/ES/1096
Date of REC Opinion
27 Nov 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion