Below you can find our current projects:
(click for more details)
(Maud Beeckmans/Joana Frieske)
(Shanti Van Malderen)
(Melina Hehl)
(Sara Magalhães Ferreira)
(Kia Puustinen)
Local and global network interactions in the aging brain and their effect on motor performance.
Dra. Maud Beeckmans, Dra. Joana Frieske
PI Team: Prof. Dr. Koen Cuypers, Prof. Dr. Raf Meesen, Prof. Dr. Stephan Swinnen, Prof. Dr. Stefan Sunaert
Normal aging is associated with a decline in motor functions, impacting quality of life and the ability to live independently. These functional changes are partly caused by age-related changes in the brain. However, it remains unclear how age-related changes in brain structure, function, and connectivity affect motor performance. Here, we study how age-related alterations in structural and functional brain interactions may account for deficits in motor behavior. On the one hand, we focus on the interaction between dedicated brain areas constituting the motor network involved in movement control. These interactions will be investigated within as well as across both hemispheres of the brain. On the other hand, we adopt a more global perspective by looking into age-related changes in the interactions among the different resting-state networks to arrive at a measure of neural dedifferentiation. Finally, we embark on training-induced neuroplasticity in the aging brain and study (a) which structural and functional brain measures predict future learning and (b) how both behavioral and brain measures are altered as a result of learning. This research project requires deployment of a combination of noninvasive brain stimulation and multimodal imaging techniques. We aim at contributing to the fundamental motor neuroscience of aging and to a body of knowledge that may inspire future training programs that alleviate or counteract functional decline with advancing age.
Age-related changes in cerebellar inhibition and its consequences for motor control.
Dra. Shanti Van Malderen
PI Team: Prof. Dr. Koen Cuypers, Prof. Dr. Stephan Swinnen
Aging is characterized by structural, functional and biochemical alterations of the brain, often accompanied by substantial impairments in motor function and learning. Cerebellar (CB) integrity is a substantial predictor of motor function in older adults. To date, the cerebellum received only limited attention. Therefore, this project aims to identify (1) the relation between CB neurometabolite (GABA & GSH) levels and age-related decline in bimanual motor coordination, (2) whether age-related deterioration in bimanual coordination is associated with impairments in CB-cortical connectivity and, (3) the association between age-related declines in motor skill learning ability and GABA modulation. Healthy right-handed young (n=30, 20-40 years) and older (n=30, 60-80 years) adults will be recruited, of which all of the participants of both groups will undergo an MRI scan (±105 min) during which they will perform a complex bimanual coordination task (BTT). Neurobiological aspects related to motor performance and learning will be investigated using multimodal imaging techniques. We aim to contribute to the fundamental knowledge regarding the neurophysiology of the aging brain and to a body of knowledge that may inspire future training programs that can alleviate or counteract the functional decline with advancing age.
The association between motor skill learning and dynamics of GABA, synaptic density and connectivity in motor-related brain regions.
Dra. Melina Hehl
PI Team: Prof. Dr. Koen Cuypers, Prof. Dr. Stephan Swinnen, Prof. Dr. Raf Meesen
Most everyday tasks require well-coordinated bimanual movements. Acquiring these skills is associated with neuroplastic processes, changes in neurotransmitter levels and synaptic density. However, the detailed neurobiological mechanisms underlying motor practice are still unclear. With this research project I aim to better understand the neurobiological mechanisms associated with motor skill practice, namely (1) the dynamics of GABA levels in the left dorsal premotor cortex; (2) structural changes in synaptic density; and (3) functional and structural connectivity changes. For this project, 40 healthy participants (18-35 years) will be recruited, of which 20 will undergo a 4-week training program of a complex bimanual coordination task (experimental group), while the other 20 perform a paradigm that does not require learning (control group). Motor practice-associated neurobiological changes will be investigated using a multimodal approach, combining medical imaging and neurophysiological techniques, including Positron Emission Tomography using a recently developed [18F]SynVesT1-tracer to measure synaptic density. Measurements will be conducted at baseline and at 2 and 4 weeks of motor practice. Using several cutting-edge technologies integrated into a multimodal approach, this comprehensive research project intends to deliver important novel insights into motor learning‐related neuroplasticity that may inspire clinical research on individualized neuromodulation strategies.
Functional and structural connectivity alterations in Mild Cognitive Impairment, and their effect on motor performance.
Dra. Sara Magalhães Ferreira
PI Team: Prof. Dr. Koen Cuypers, Prof. Dr. Joke Spildooren
Mild Cognitive Impairment is the preclinical transitional state between normal cognitive impairment and dementia. This condition affects both cognitive and motor functions, impacting the individuals’ health and quality of life, as well as their capability of living independently. Despite accumulating evidence about functional and structural connectivity alterations in MCI and their impact on cognitive functions, there is still little understanding of their association with motor function. Therefore, I will study how alterations in structural and functional brain interactions may account for deficits in motor behavior, in individuals with MCI. On one hand, I will focus on the interaction between dedicated brain areas constituting the motor network involved in movement control. These interactions will be investigated within as well as across both hemispheres of the brain. On the other hand, I will adopt a more global perspective by looking into age-related changes in the interactions among the different resting-state networks to arrive at a measure of neural dedifferentiation. Finally, I will embark on training-induced neuroplasticity in the aging brain and study (a) which structural and functional brain measures predict future learning and (b) how both behavioral and brain measures are altered as a result of learning. This research project requires the deployment of a combination of multimodal imaging techniques. I aim at contributing to the fundamental motor neuroscience of aging and neurodegenerative diseases and to a body of knowledge that may inspire future training programs that alleviate or counteract the functional decline experienced by older adults with MCI.
Unravelling the association between insulin sensitivity and brain metabolites in prediabetic individuals, and exploring the therapeutic impact of exercise as an early intervention.
Dra. Kia Puustinen
PI Team: Prof. Dr. Koen Cuypers, Prof. Dr. Kenneth Verboven
Insulin resistance (IR) has been linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and recently Alzheimer’s disease. However, it is strikingly prevalent, even among young and lean individuals who are typically not considered at risk, making it a serious public health issue. Since the related pathologies are all linked to altered neurometabolism, early warning signs could already be observable in the prediabetic state. Because research on IR and brain metabolites is currently scarce and methodologically heterogeneous, the aim of the proposed project is to explore this relationship between the peripheral and central metabolic profiles. An age- and gender-stratified lifespan sample (N=64) will undergo blood sampling to measure their IR, as well as magnetic resonance spectroscopy to measure the full spectra of neurometabolites at a 3T magnetic field. Potential moderators of the relationship will be inserted into the multivariate regression analysis, to approximate how much variance can be explained by factors like body composition and physical fitness. Moreover, once the phenotype of IR associated with an unfavourable brain metabolic profile has been identified, these criteria will be used to recruit another sample (N=25) that will undergo a 12-week high-intensity interval training intervention, to test whether the peripheral and central metabolic profiles can be improved. Taken together, this would generate vital data and tools for the early detection and treatment of IR.
BRAINS-lab 