Thalmus in Parkinson’s Disease: A multimodal investigation
Our initial aim was to identify neural correlates of cognitive decline in Parkinson’s disease and provide a method of identifying those at risk of later dementia whilst they were still in the early stage of illness. We focussed on the thalamus as an integral influence on cognition as this subcortical region has many reciprocal connections with the cortex and is centrally located in the brain. Analysis was cross-sectional between three Parkinson’s disease groups and an age and education matched control group. Imaging modalities included the standard magnetic resonance structural imaging, advanced diffusion tensor imaging and voxel based morphometry.
Dr Borlase is working in research psychology, specialising in neuroimaging research. She has a special interest in using neuroimaging to identify neurological vulnerability, particularly in relation to trauma or developmental disorders.