Researchers from the NIHR Mental Health Translational Research Collaboration (MH-TRC) Mission’s Children and Young People’s (CYP) Mental Health workstream have recently published a paper on brain stimulation in teenagers with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1).
NF1 is a genetic disorder that can cause tumours to form on nerve tissue, leading to various neurological issues, including cognitive deficits.
The study investigated how transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a non-invasive method using a low electrical current to stimulate specific brain areas, affects the way different brain regions communicate during a memory task.
The stimulation targeted the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC), a brain area important for memory.
The study found that the stimulation changed how the left dlPFC connected with other brain regions, reducing signals to the mood-related superior frontal gyrus and increasing signals to the globus pallidus, which helps with movement and thinking.
It also lowered gamma-aminobutyric acid levels, making the brain more responsive to external stimuli.
The study, however, found no major improvements in memory tasks. While tDCS changed brain connections, it may not be enough on its own to boost thinking skills in teenagers with NF1.
The paper, “Non-invasive brain stimulation reorganises effective connectivity during a working memory task in individuals with Neurofibromatosis Type 1”, was published recently in Science Direct.
Dr Shruti Garg, Clinical Senior Lecturer at the University of Manchester and MH-TRC Mission CYP Brain Stimulation Intervention work package lead said:
“We are developing brain stimulation techniques to help improve learning difficulties in children with neurodevelopmental conditions.
“Support from the CYP funding has enabled us to collaborate with computational neuroscientists, enhancing our understanding of brain function to optimise and personalise these interventions.”
Dr Caroline Lea-Carnall, Lecturer in Biological Sciences at the University of Manchester said:
“In a follow up project, we will be investigating the differences in brain connectivity between neurotypical controls and NF1 participants during the same cognitive task. The aim of this work is to combine advanced computational techniques with neuroimaging to optimise brain stimulation strategies designed to improve cognitive function.”
Dr Czime Litwińczuk, Postgraduate Research Student at the University of Manchester said: “I am sincerely grateful and humbled for the opportunity to contribute to the MH-TRC Mission.
“This research represents one of my first investigations in my postdoc, which inspired and contributed to my future career. With support of my co-authors and the laboratory colleagues, we are advancing our understanding of neurodevelopmental conditions and early intervention approaches.
“As we develop a deeper understanding of the effects of non-invasive brain stimulation, the future direction of our work focuses on optimising and personalising treatment protocols.”
See the MH-TRC Mission Children and Young People’s Mental Health workstream pages for more information on their work.
