Human studies
Impacting individual memory capabilities through closed-loop TMS
The goal is to establish an intervention capable of protecting, improving, or restoring desired memories on the one hand (for example, in old age and in the first stages of Alzheimer’s disease), and disrupting unwanted memories on the other hand (for example, in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder; PTSD). The intervention is based on the identification of patterns of brain activity using EEG and thier modification using Deep TMS.
Leading researcher – Dr. Uri Alyagon
Paired associative transcranial magnetic stimulation as an add on for rehabilitation of stroke patients
Stroke is among the principal causes of death worldwide and even in the best-case scenario often leaves its sufferers with permanent disabilities. No current treatment exists to undo the resulting tissue damage; however, some function can be restored by commandeering the brain’s natural plasticity to amplify weakened connections2. Indeed, stroke rehabilitation has the ability to improve the overall function; Nevertheless, the functional outcomes are often limited and 50–60% of rehabilitated patients still exhibit such degree of motor impairment which requires assistance in day-to-day activities. Hence, there is a need for development of supportive technology to promote rehabilitation via induced neuroplasticity.
Leading researcher – Dr. Uri Alyagon
Addictive eating in morbid obesity
Individuals with obesity are compared between those with vs. without food addiction on several psychobiological parameters. We also recruit participants with obesity and food addiction for a double-blind, placebo controlled randomized clinical trial, whereby we test the effectiveness of a neurocognitive treatment using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) on several bio-behavioral parameters, including a reduction in addictive symptoms and weight loss.
Leading researcher – Dr. Roni Aviram-Friedman
Animal studies
Behavioral and electrophysiological effects of cortico-cortico paired associative stimulation (ccPAS) in an animal model of depression and addiction
Brain-related disorders such as addiction and depression are associated with an inter-hemispheric imbalance. A novel approach to modify this state, and by that to alleviate symptoms, is the coordination of two transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) coils that target the intervening connectivity between brain regions; a method known as paired associative stimulation (PAS).
The PAS protocol is based on Hebbian plasticity, according to which connections are strengthened or weakened depending on the timing of the pre- and post-synaptic stimuli. Therefore, precise timing is essential, but current knowledge in that regard is limited. In this study we aim to experimentally established the optimal lag between pulses.
Leading researcher – Selach Salnat