ELECTROMAGNETIC NEUROIMAGING OF THE AGING BRAIN

我们建议开发一种先进的密集传感器阵列脑电图（EEG）系统，该系统经过优化，可与全头部脑磁图（MEG）系统集成。电磁测量在衰老的神经心理学和神经生理学研究中具有足够的时间分辨率。血流动力学神经成像方法（PET, fMRI）依赖于血流变化，但速度太慢，无法追踪动态认知过程。即使抽象认知、记忆或灵活性的测量没有显示出正常衰老的影响，老年人的反应也总是比年轻人慢。将神经解剖学缺陷与认知功能联系起来需要具有良好时间分辨率的神经成像技术。我们介绍了一种256通道传感器网络，该网络通过碳纤维电极和生理放大器实现低磁噪声，该放大器专为高头皮阻抗传感器和低磁干扰而设计。最重要的是，我们提出了一个完整的电磁信号分析策略，其中电场和磁场的不同优势被结合在一个单一的交钥匙软件包中。虽然最初的电磁神经成像系统最初将出售给研究实验室，但在了解老年人大脑心理操作时间过程变化方面的进展将具有重要的临床应用价值。建议的商业应用：通过以毫秒精度跟踪神经生理减缓，密集阵列MEG/EEG可以优化我们对老年人神经系统疾病的理解，从而在治疗仍然有效的情况下准确评估痴呆疾病。

We propose to develop an advanced dense sensor array electroencephalographic (EEG) system that is optimized for integration with whole-head magnetoencephalographic (MEG) systems. Electromagnetic measures have adequate temporal resolution for both neuropsychological and neurophysiological studies of aging. Hemodynamic neuroimaging methods (PET, fMRI) rely on blood flow changes that are too slow to track dynamic cognitive processes. Even when measures of abstract cognition, memory, or flexibility show no effects of normal aging, the older person is consistently found to be slower than the young person. Relating neuroanatomical deficits to cognitive function requires a neuroimaging technology to with good temporal resolution. We introduce a 256-channel sensor net that achieves low magnetic noise with carbon-fiber electrodes and a physiological amplifier that is engineered for high scalp impedance sensors and low magnetic interference. Most importantly, we propose a fully electromagnetic signal analytic strategy, in which the differing advantages of electrical and magnetic fields are combined within a single turnkey software package. Although the initial electromagnetic neuroimaging system would be sold initially to research laboratories, advances in understanding the changes in the time course of mental operations in the aged brain will have significant clinical applications. PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS: By tracking neurophysiological slowing with millisecond precision, dense array MEG/EEG could optimize our understanding of neurological disorders of the aged, leading to accurate assessment of dementing illness when treatment is still useful.