The causal role of neural activity in neurodegeneration 1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Discovering the causal effect of neural activity on impaired bioenergetic processes and cognitive functions in regions with early stage of neurodegeneration.
IRAS ID
288129
Contact name
Nir Grossman
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Imperial College London
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
The most common brain disorders with age are neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). AD leads to cognitive impairment that progressively affects activities of daily living, erodes independence and impairs quality of life. AD and many other neurodegenerative diseases are neither preventable nor curable.
The progression of neurodegenerative diseases involves impairment of bioenergetic processes that are essential for the survival of brain cells. Recent evidence shows that neurodegenerative diseases also involve abnormal neural activity, particularly in deep brain structures, at very early stages. The relationship between abnormal neural activity and impaired bioenergetic processes that promote neurodegeneration, as well as their association with cognitive impairment, are unknown.
This research aims to address this knowledge gap to provide key mechanistic insight into the progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as AD and pave the way to new interventional strategies.
To achieve this aim, we will modulate the neural activity at brain regions that are affected at the early stage of the disease measure, again non-invasively, the induced changes in neural activity its effect on local bioenergetic processes. In addition, we will explore the effect on cognitive performance.
The study will be taking place at the Hammersmith Hospital and will last for five years. It will involve patients with suspected/confirmed early-stage of neurodegeneration.REC name
London - West London & GTAC Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/LO/0228
Date of REC Opinion
17 May 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion