Ultra-High field (7T) MR Spectroscopy of GABA: A Critical New Approach to Dementia

Advances in spectroscopy at high-field MRI (3T), and ultrahigh field MRI (7T, in Cambridge from mid 2016) now enable accurate estimation of cortical GABA, the principal inhibitory neurotransmitter in the cortex. This has a strong influence on individual differences in behaviour, perception and learning. In this new project, you will use the new 7T MRI to determine the contribution of GABA to changes in cognition in dementia (especially Frontotemporal dementia and progressive supranuclear palsy). GABA modulation provides an attractive new target for cognitive enhancement, but you will also determine whether an individuals’ response to treatment depends on their current GABA state. The project emphasises the integration between multiple brain systems for learning, cognition and perception, and how they are affected by neurodegenerative disorders. Experience in neuroimaging, principles and practice, would be an advantage.