Improving brain connectivity to enhance mental and motor functions
Re-Wiring the Human Brain
This study is exploring new ways to help people with brain conditions, like addiction or injuries, by using a gentle technique to improve how different parts of their brain communicate, making it easier for them to think, move, and behave better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11066535 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how to restore and improve brain connectivity in individuals with neurological and psychiatric conditions, such as addiction and traumatic brain injury. By using innovative techniques like cortico-cortical paired associative stimulation (ccPAS), the study aims to train the brain to utilize alternate pathways for communication between different areas. This approach focuses on enhancing or reducing the strength of connections in the brain to improve cognitive, motor, and behavioral functions. The research is designed to be non-invasive, making it accessible for patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include adults over 21 years old who are experiencing conditions like addiction, traumatic brain injury, or other disorders affecting brain connectivity.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions that do not involve alterations in brain connectivity or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to significant improvements in cognitive and motor functions for patients with various neurological and psychiatric disorders.
How similar studies have performed: While the application of ccPAS in humans has shown limited progress, similar approaches in neuroscience have demonstrated potential for improving brain function, indicating a promising avenue for this research.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Raij, Tommi — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Raij, Tommi
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.