The Center for Neurosciences has one of the nation’s leading brain imaging programs. Led by neuroscientist David Eidelberg, MD, the program is internationally recognized for developing novel techniques to characterize and quantify neural circuits in neurodegenerative disorders. A key component of the neurosciences program at The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research is the use of state-of-the-art brain imaging techniques such as positron emission tomography (PET) and advanced magnetic resonance (MR) methods to investigate relationships between localized neuronal deficiencies in these disorders and the activity of functional brain networks within the three-dimensional structure of the brain.

Studies currently conducted at the Center for Neurosciences use functional brain imaging to map the alterations in neural circuitry that occur in diseases of the nervous system such as Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, torsion dystonia and dementia. The quantification of these neuronal pathways is important for diagnosing disease and assessing the efficacy of new therapeutic interventions.

Dr. Eidelberg and his team of investigators in the Center use functional imaging to study neurological disease from a variety of computational and behavioral perspectives. In parallel with these efforts, scientists in The Feinstein’s radiochemistry facility have helped to develop new radiotracer techniques to quantify neurochemical deficits associated with neurodegenerative processes. This research is important for the development of new pharmacological and surgical approaches to the treatment of these conditions.

A combination of analytical strategies and neurochemical measurements within the brain of conscious human subjects allows the investigation of relationships between localized neuronal deficiencies and the activity of functional brain networks. This approach has identified allowed scientists at the Susan & Leonard Feinstein Center for Neurosciences to identify a number of discrete neuronal pathways associated with neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease, dystonia, Tourette Syndrome and Huntington's Disease, as well as the normal aging process. The identification and measurement, or quantification, of these neuronal pathways are important for diagnosing disease, assessing the extent of functional impairment with standardized measurements and, most importantly, understanding the efficacy of new therapeutic interventions. Identifying the neural networks associated with each disease also provides an important means to conduct studies of affected patients and to assess potential neuroprotective agents that may retard disease progression.
 
Functional brain imaging techniques being used in the Center have revolutionized the conceptual framework for exploring the mechanistic basis of several neurological and neuropsychiatric diseases. Ongoing research projects include:

Mapping the functional circuitry that underlies motor performance, cognition, and learning.
Using brain imaging to quantify specific brain networks in normal aging and neurodegenerative disease.
 
Understanding abnormal brain processes that may cause certain types of cognitive dysfunction and depression in human neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and other movement disorders.
 
Using novel mapping techniques to identify functional and anatomical abnormalities in the brains of individuals genetically at risk for neurodegenerative disorders such as Huntington's disease or dystonia.
 
Longitudinal studies of neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric conditions with imaging (e.g., Parkinson's disease, Huntington disease, schizophrenia) to measure rates of disease progression and effects of potential neuroprotective interventions and to demonstrate the multiple features of brain pathology in patients.
 
Evaluating the regulation of key neuromodulators, such as dopamine, acetylcholine, and serotonin in neurological and neuropsychiatric illnesses such as Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, and depression. These studies emphasize understanding of how changes in brain chemistry affect pharmacological and surgical therapeutic interventions.
 
Using brain imaging to assess the effect of novel therapeutic interventions on neural function (e.g., new drugs, cell transplantation, gene therapy).
 
Understanding the formation and role of amyloids, a protein molecule, in the development of Alzheimer's disease.
 
Feinstein scientists are incorporating both basic science and clinical experience into approaches designed to unravel the causes of these diseases, including genetic influences and environmental factors. The research within this Center is generating information important for the development of new pharmacological and surgical approaches to the treatment of these conditions.
 
Because the imaging techniques require intensive computer power, Center scientists are continually developing new expertise in computational approaches to brain imaging to address mechanisms of human behavior under normal circumstances, in untreated neurodegenerative disease, and in the course of therapy. In conjunction with these efforts, there has been a parallel development of radiotracer techniques to quantify neurochemical deficits associated with neurodegenerative processes.   

Functional Brain Imaging Laboratory – David Eidelberg, MD

Laboratory of Experimental Therapeutics for Movement Disorders – Andrew Feigin, MD

Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology – Ratna Sircar, PhD

Administrative Staff:

		Name:  Christine Edwards Position: Administrative Director Phone: 516-562-1123 Email: cewards@nshs.edu
		Name:  Rosie Persaud Position: Administrative Assistant Phone: 516-562-2498 Email: rpersaud@nshs.edu