Neurocognitive Research Lab
Professor Fofi Constantinidou
Activities
Understanding the neurophysiological underpinnings of conditions that affect brain health and the development of valid assessment and effective neuropsychological treatment methodologies that integrate neurobehavioral, neuropsychological and brain stimulation paradigms.
Scope
The team investigates brain aging and acquired brain conditions such as traumatic brain injury, stroke, mild cognitive impairment, dementia and, more recently, post-acute COVID-19 syndrome through a multimodal applied neuroscience methodology.
Technologies & Methods
The group uses technologies to image the human brain, including MRI (rsFMRI, DTI, Structural) and EEG, as well as technologies to detect novel biomarkers such as fNIRs in activity and at rest. Non-invasive brain stimulation (tDCS, TES) is used to stimulate the human brain in conjunction with neuropsychological and behavioral measures aiming to improve neuropsychological functions. The technology transfer includes the development of CAT-BRAIN®, an innovative software rehabilitation platform based on the Categorization Program©, a theory-based, established rehabilitation program to improve cognitive function in patients with acquired brain conditions.
Innovation spotlight
The Neurocognitive Study on Aging (NEUROAGE project, est. 2009) is the first longitudinal study on aging in Cyprus that aims to identify predictors of healthy and pathological cognitive aging. Advanced structural imaging studies are being conducted to determine brain-behavior relationships, genetic, biological, and health biomarkers, along with demographic, sex/ gender variables, in order to investigate modifiable and unmodifiable factors that contribute to neurobehavioral performance and cognitive health. NEUROAGE has recruited more than 1000 study participants to date, who are tested every two years. The laboratory is currently conducting a 14-year follow-up. Participants directly benefit from personalized assessment reports and cognitive training as part of our ongoing clinical studies to improve adult and cognitive-communication skills. Over the years, more than 7000 assessment reports have been provided to participants and more than 100 researchers (undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students) have received research training and completed theses and dissertations as part of this project. The project is financed exclusively with external competitive funding.
The team investigates neuropsychological functions in brain aging and acquired brain conditions such as traumatic brain injury, stroke, mild cognitive impairment, dementia and, more recently, post-acute COVID-19 syndrome through a multimodal applied neuroscience methodology.
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