Neuroscientific research on executive dys-/functions
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The human being has impressive cognitive abilities. To define and to update objectives, to adapt flexibly to the environment, and to guide appropriate behavior are just a few examples. These abilities rest upon executive functions (EF) of which response inhibition, conflict monitoring, memory-updating and cognitive flexibility are of particular importance. I assess how the brain implements these functions. My research interests concern the neural correlates of EF and the neural underpinnings of inter-individual differences in healthy young adults as well as in older participants and brain lesion patients. For the understanding of normal behavior, healthy cognitive aging and psychopathologies, such differentiation of functional and neuroanatomical markers and the establishment of associations between the brains` morphology, neurofunction and behavior are crucially important.
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Neuro-modulation of cognitive control
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In context of cognitive modulation, neuroscientific techniques like neurofeedback demonstrate great potential by offering a rather direct pathway to the underpinnings of cognition via the modulation of relevant neural mechanisms. A specific type of neural mechanism are neural oscillations, which seem to directly reflect perceptual and cognitive processes. A particular oscillation reliably associated with EFs is the so-called frontal-midline (fm)-theta, which is suggested as “working language” of EF. My investigation includes testing the modulability of fm-theta and focuses on the effects of neurofeedback on cognition. For the application of neurofeedback, a freely available software program was developed: NeurofeedbackSuite 1.0 (NFS).
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Translational research: improvement of executive dysfunctions in patients
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Executive functions (EFs) are of high relevance, not least because it was shown that age-related declines in EFs lead to reduced success in everyday activities. Disturbances of EFs are furthermore associated with neurocognitive and psychiatric impairments as for instance seen in schizophrenia, one of the top five most expensive brain disorders. Another example is obesity, a disease also producing tremendous amounts of costs not least due to its relation to secondary diseases. This issue becomes imperative for western societies, which need to overcome the enormous burden for health care systems. Given the fundamental role of EFs for everyday life and their relation to disorders, research on effective EF-training is vitally important. In this context, my research therefore focuses on developing different types of training approaches as therapeutic tools.
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NEUROFEEDBACK AS A POTENTIAL NEURO-THERAPEUTIC TOOL
In cooperation with the Karl-Jaspers Clinic, oscillatory impairments related to EF-deficits in patients with schizophrenia have been investigated. These are related to the everyday functioning, the therapeutic outcome and rehabilitation results. A particular interesting challenge is to answer the question how neurocognitive research can stimulate the development of new therapeutic avenues. In this regard, I assess personalized neurofeedback interventions. |
PHOENIX PROJECT- A MULITMODULAR PROGRAMM IN OBESITY
Specific deficits in executive functioning have been associated with an enhanced risk to gain health-unconscious behavior and become obese. Furthermore, obesity itself has detrimental effects on the brain and cognition. Within the Phoenix Project, we investigate the neurocognitive underpinnings of obesity and the viabiliy of interdisciplinary trainings as therapeutic tools. The project is embedded in a cooperation between the Obesity Centre in Friesoythe and the University of Oldenburg. As a result, a multi-modular program was developed, which consisted of a six months training of nutrition, physical exercise and cognition. German media reports on the Phonix Program:
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