The Center for Neurosciences has one of the nation’s leading brain imaging programs. Led by neuroscientist David Eidelberg, MD, the program is internationally recognized for developing novel techniques to characterize and quantify neural circuits in neurodegenerative disorders. A key component of the neurosciences program at The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research is the use of state-of-the-art brain imaging techniques such as positron emission tomography (PET) and advanced magnetic resonance (MR) methods to investigate relationships between localized neuronal deficiencies in these disorders and the activity of functional brain networks within the three-dimensional structure of the brain.

Studies currently conducted at the Center for Neurosciences use functional brain imaging to map the alterations in neural circuitry that occur in diseases of the nervous system such as Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, torsion dystonia and dementia. The quantification of these neuronal pathways is important for diagnosing disease and assessing the efficacy of new therapeutic interventions.

Dr. Eidelberg and his team of investigators in the Center use functional imaging to study neurological disease from a variety of computational and behavioral perspectives. In parallel with these efforts, scientists in The Feinstein’s radiochemistry facility have helped to develop new radiotracer techniques to quantify neurochemical deficits associated with neurodegenerative processes. This research is important for the development of new pharmacological and surgical approaches to the treatment of these conditions.