Project Summary

Adam W. Anderson, Ph.D. (Independent Investigator 2004) of Vanderbilt University, proposes using novel MRI techniques in both schizophrenics and healthy individuals to improve the characterization of abnormalities in the white matter of the brain that may be involved in schizophrenia. The method, high angular resolution diffusion imaging, he says, should help to resolve divergent white matter fibers compared with standard techniques. With improved images and a novel tracking algorithm, Dr. Anderson aims to reconstruct the variety of white matter tracts in the brain, especially those involved in spatial working memory, in both healthy and schizophrenic groups. He also will test whether structural differences in white matter fibers are correlated with behavioral differences measured via neuropsychological tests and functional differences established with fMRI. The goal is to develop diagnostic tests that relate image features to specific functional deficits.

Program Area: SCHIZOPHRENIA/PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS\Schizophrenia

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