Attentional processes in healthy and diseased brains throughout the lifespan

BCU Social Sciences psychology man holding a model of a human brain.

Researchers: Dr Eirini Mavritsaki, Dr Harriet Allen, Prof. Glyn Humphreys, Prof. Gustavo Deco, and Dr Amy Cook.

Background

A research study has been carried out by the Centre for Applied Psychological Research (CAP Research) in collaboration with academics from the University of Nottingham (Dr Harriet Allen), University of Oxford (Prof. Glyn Humphreys), and Universitat Pompeu Fabra (Prof. Gustavo Deco).

This study delves into the way that the brain processes attention as well as how this can be altered throughout our lives. Current evidence shows that brain functions that control attention decreases as we get older, and this is linked to the loss of neuronal volume and neurotransmitters. Yet, finding the neuronal level impact on particular cognitive functions remains a difficult task to work out.

Also in collaboration with Dr Amy Cook, they studied the attention of children with ADHD and the links that this disorder has with food colourings and neurotransmitters.

Aims

In carrying out this project the researchers aimed to:

Utilise studies on behaviour and food diaries behavioural, food diaries to investigate changes in attention in children with ADHD
Investigate how the studies are linked with neurotransmitter changes
Unearth more of the ways in which the brain controls and processes attention
Enhance our understanding of the link between food colouring and ADHD.

Results

The researchers created a spiking Search over Time and Space (sSoTS) model which linked low level properties of the system with whole system behaviour to investigate the attentional mechanisms of the brain. They also conducted behavioural and fMRI experiments which were linked to the outcomes of experiments conducted with the sSoTS model, utilising an interdisciplinary approach. The study is still currently being undertaken for further results.

Benefits

In understanding the link between ADHD and food colourings, it will help the researchers to identify a more accurate test to diagnose ADHD. Additionally brains affected by Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s will be studied which will allow for an earlier diagnosis in patients.