Top > Research results > Industry-academia collaboration > Development of maintenance method for brain circuit, recovery of cognitive function, University of Tokyo, etc.

2017/8/15

Development of maintenance method for brain circuit, recovery of cognitive function, University of Tokyo, etc.

University Journal Online Editorial Department

　International Telecommunications Research Institute (ATR) Brain Information and Communication Research Laboratories, The University of Tokyo, and Kyoto University research groups are using the spatial resolution of fMRI to increase the way specific areas are connected within a network. Or succeeded in changing in both directions of decrease.Furthermore, it was clarified that the change in cognitive function differs depending on the direction of change.

　The human brain is a huge information network, and each person's own network is formed by heredity and experience.Recently, it has become possible to decipher the wiring diagram of the brain peculiar to an individual with only 5 minutes of brain activity measurement.Deterioration of cognitive function due to mental illness and aging is attributed to such changes in the way of connection in specific wiring.

　In 2015, the research group developed a training method that can pinpoint the wiring of the brain.However, it was unclear what is important for treatment and recovery of cognitive function, such as increase / decrease in connections in wiring and effects on cognitive function.

　This time, the research group added a function called "real-time feedback" to the fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) device, analyzed the measured brain activity in real time, and repeatedly notified the experiment participants of the analysis result immediately. rice field.As a result, we succeeded in changing the way of connection in a specific wiring in the brain network in both directions of increase and decrease.Furthermore, it was clarified that the change in cognitive function differs depending on the direction in which the connection is changed by a method called "functional connection neurofeedback learning method".

　Since the results of this research will be the basic technology necessary to normalize the transformed connection and restore cognitive function, we will develop a new rehabilitation / learning support method that utilizes the plasticity of the brain and the treatment of mental illness. Is expected to contribute.

Paper information:[Cerebral Cortex] Connectivity neurofeedback training can differentially change functional connectivity and cognitive performance

Tokyo University

Established in the 10th year of the Meiji era.A university with the longest history in Japan and at the forefront of Japanese knowledge

The University of Tokyo was established in 1877 (Meiji 10) by integrating the Tokyo Kaisei School and the Tokyo Medical School.Since its establishment, it has developed education and research in a unique way in the world as a leading university in Japan and an academic center for the fusion of East and West cultures.As a result, many human resources have been produced in a wide range of fields, and many research achievements […]

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Kyoto University

Foster a free academic style based on the spirit of "self-respect for self-weight" and open up a world of creative learning.

With the motto of self-study, we will continue to maintain a free academic style that is not bound by common sense, and develop human resources who have both creativity and practical ability.We provide an inclusive learning space that allows for diverse and hierarchical choices so that students themselves can choose a solid future through valuable trial and error. […]

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