Page 46 - Annual Report 2018

3.2.3. Department of Neuroimaging Department activities

Knowledge of the morphological variations occu- UIPA's Department of Neuroimaging primarily deals
rring in brain structure throughout life is essential to with the acquisition of MR data (and, where appro-
assess the corresponding pathological changes that priate, the performance of other imaging techni-
occur in neurodegenerative diseases. Currently, ques such as PET or CT through external
neuroimaging in any form, and combined, is one of collaborations) and post-processing and analysis of
the areas of greatest progress in the understanding the data obtained. All studies are monitored and re-
of various aspects of Alzheimer's disease and other ported by a neuroradiologist.
neurodegenerative diseases: etiology, early diag-
nosis and differential functioning of brain areas, me- In addition, the Department provides technical as-
tabolism, neurotransmission. sistance to both the rest of the scientific areas of the
UIPA and external research groups. It also searches
In this regard, neuroimaging techniques such as for new resources and promotes the UIPA research
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have led to sig- projects and the post-processing of images service
nificant progress in understanding brain changes as- among other research groups.
sociated with age. MRI is a noninvasive tool that
allows the study of normal aging individuals at diffe- This activity complements the internal seminars and
rent times of his life. However, conventional MRI external courses, both nationals and internationals,
techniques are unable to detect and quantify mi- on specific neuroimaging techniques.
crostructural changes dependent on age who have
been described in post-mortem studies of brain tis- During 2018, the Department of Neuroimaging has
sue. participated in MRI studies in the following clinical
trials:
For this reason, the Department of Neuroimaging has
a state-of-the-art 3 Tesla (T) MRI equipment as well • "Pilot clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and
as a collaboration agreement for research with the safety of deep brain stimulation in Alzheimer's
disease". ECP-EA. PI: Dr. Aurora Viloria
supplier: General Electric.
Jiménez. San Carlos Clinical Hospital.
The main objectives Department of Neuroimaging are: • “NAC”. Phase III study: "Effect of Adjuvant
treatment with N-acetylcysteine for 48 weeks
• Promotion and development of over the loss of gray matter and oxidative
neuroimaging research projects in the field of metabolism in patients with early onset
neurodegenerative diseases with special psychotic episodes". Randomized, Double-
interest in AD and related dementias blind, placebo-controlled Clinical Trial Code:
• Acquisition and postprocessing of MR images FIBHGM-ECNC002-2012, EudraCT Number:
for UIPA ongoing research projects 2012-005435-87. Promoter Center: Foundation
• Dissemination of knowledge on neuroimaging for Biomedical Research Gregorio Marañon
techniques related to neurodegenerative Hospital. PI: Celso Arango.
diseases
• Personnel training related to obtaining, • Clozapine in First Outbreaks of Schizophrenia
postprocessing or interpretation of advanced as Possible Preventive Treatment of Cerebral
neuroimaging techniques and Clinical Impairment". Code protocol:

CIEN Foundation Annual Report 2018 / 46