MRI compatible EEG for discovery of the neural correlates of memory consolidation in the human brain

基础研究有助于理解学习如何改变大脑功能和结构。目前还不清楚大脑的哪个区域是学习动作或储存这些记忆的关键。此外，我们并不完全了解在练习一个动作以支持新的学习之后，大脑是如何随时间变化的。过去的工作已经提供了在使用磁共振成像（MRI）练习新动作后大脑功能可能发生变化的快照。但这些信息并不能解释大脑是如何实时变化的。此外，有新的方法可以改变大脑的兴奋性。事实上，大脑刺激可能是一种提高学习能力的方法。目前的建议是一个脑电图（EEG）单元，是核磁共振和脑刺激（即，TMS）兼容。这种设备将允许同时使用多种方法检查大脑的变化。它们将使1)关于大脑区域何时何地活跃以支持学习新动作的综合信息，以及2)确定大脑刺激可能如何改变这些大脑活动模式。将这些数据结合起来，将促进我们对大脑在运动学习过程中如何工作的理解。此外，它们可能会产生新的方法来刺激学习，这将使加拿大人受益。

Basic research helps in the understanding of how learning changes brain function and structure. At present it is not clear which brain regions are key for learning movements or for storing these memories. In addition, we do not fully understand how the brain changes with time after a movement is practiced to support new learning. Past work has provided snapshots of how brain function may change after a new movement is practiced using magnetic resonance imaging or MRI. But this information does not explain how the brain might change in real time. Further, newer methods exist that allow brain excitability to be changed. In fact, brain stimulation may be a way to enhance learning. The present proposal is for an electroencephalography (EEG) unit that is both MRI and brain stimulation (i.e., TMS) compatible. This equipment will allow the examination of changes in the brain using multiple methods at the same time. They will enable 1) combined information about where and when brain regions are active to support learning new movements as well as 2) to determine how brain stimulation might change these patterns of brain activity. Combined these data will advance our understanding of how the brain works during motor learning. Further they may lead to new methods to stimulate learning that will benefit Canadians.