The Effect of Aging on Cross-Modal Sensory Processing

描述（由申请人提供）：该研究项目旨在研究衰老过程中的跨模态感觉处理，因为已有研究表明，所有感觉系统的功能都随着年龄的增长而减弱，最近的研究表明，来自多种感觉模式的信息整合（跨模态处理）受到正常衰老的影响，有趣的是，许多与衰老相关的残疾会影响生命的数量，如命运的增加、沟通障碍、记忆障碍可能与跨模态处理的改变有关。这个项目的具体目的是为了确定随着年龄增长而发生的跨模态处理中的行为和神经变化。神经反应将使用功能磁共振成像（fMRI）来测量。受试者将在被动跨模态刺激、跨模态匹配任务和跨模态整合任务期间进行研究。将分析神经激活模式和行为数据，以确定与跨模态过程减少相关的功能失调脑区。由于跨模态过程与感觉处理的几乎所有方面都密切相关，在语言处理、空间定向和记忆中起着关键作用，因此更好地理解随年龄增长而发生的变化可能有助于阐明老年人经历的许多问题。该候选人已完成临床（医学博士）和基础科学（博士）培训，并希望从事临床研究工作。培训计划将包括统计学和统计软件编程方面的教学指导。通过其共同导师的指导，候选人将掌握在患者群体中进行科学研究所需的技能。他的目标是将他在整个教育过程中获得的信息结合起来，使他能够以独立研究者的身份研究人类大脑疾病。维克森林大学医学院是一个让申请人在临床神经科学方面脱颖而出的环境。放射科有一个活跃的功能性磁共振成像研究项目，并致力于扩大神经成像研究小组。J. Paul Sticht老年与康复中心是研究和教学活动的中心，也是老年患者临床治疗的关键场所。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The research project is designed to study cross-modal sensory processing in aging as it has been shown that all sensory systems exhibit diminished function with age and recent studies have suggested that the integration of information from multiple sensory modalities (cross-modal processing) is affected by normal aging, interestingly, many of the disabilities associated with aging that impact the quantity of life, such as increased fates, communication disturbances, and memory impairment may be associated with alterations of cross-modal processing. The Specific Aims for this project are purposely designed to identify behavioral and neural changes in cross-modal processing that occur with age. Neural responses will be measured using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Subjects will be studied during passive cross-modal stimulation, during a cross-modal matching task, and during a cross-modal integration task. Neural activation patterns and behavioral data will be analyzed to identify dysfunctional brain areas that correlate with diminished cross-modal processes. Because cross-modal processes are intimately involved in nearly all aspects of sensory processing and play critical roles in language processing, spatial orientation, and memory, a better understanding of changes that occur with age may help shed light on many of the problems experienced by aged individuals. The candidate has completed clinical (M.D,) and basic science (Ph.D.) training and has the desire to pursue a career in clinical research. The training program will include didactic instruction in statistics and statistical software programming. Through the guidance of his co-mentors, the candidate will master the skills necessary to perform scientific studies in patient populations. His goal is to combine the information acquired throughout his education to enable him to study diseases of the human brain as an independent investigator. The Wake Forest University School of Medicine is an environment that will allow the applicant to excel in the clinical neurosciences. The Department of Radiology has an active fMRl research program and is dedicated to expanding the neuroimaging research group. The J. Paul Sticht Center on Aging and Rehabilitation serves as the hub of research and teaching activities as well as a key location in the clinical treatment of elderly patients.