[FG] Fuhr PeterHead of Research Unit Prof. Dr. med.Peter FuhrOverviewMembersPublicationsProjects & CollaborationsProjects & Collaborations OverviewMembersPublicationsProjects & Collaborations Projects & Collaborations 14 foundShow per page10 10 20 50 Veränderungen im quantitativen EEG als Demenzprädiktor bei Patienten mit Morbus Parkinson. Research Project | 1 Project MembersNo Description available Ein computerisiertes Tool zum Training des Arbeitsgedächtnisses bei Patienten mit M. Parkinson Research Project | 1 Project MembersNo Description available SPUM-Ergänzungsfinanzierung Research Project | 1 Project MembersNo Description available Quantitatives EEG als Verlaufsparameter für Demenzentwicklung bei Morbus Parkinson Research Project | 1 Project MembersNo Description available Computerisiertes Tool zum Training des Arbeitsgedächtnisses bei Pat. mit M. Parkinson Research Project | 1 Project MembersNo Description available QEEG Veränderungen als prädiktiver Marker bei Patienten mit M. Parkinson und geplanter Tiefenhirnstimulation Research Project | 1 Project Membersder wissenschaftlic Improved prediction and montoring of CNS disorders with advanced neurophysiological and genetic assessment Research Project | 10 Project MembersObjective: To establish a numerical model for better characterization and prediction of the course of the two most prevalent chronic neurological disorders with high impact on quality of life in young and elderly human beings, respectively: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). The numerical model will contain clinical, neuropsychological, genetic, imaging and neurophysiological data. Background: Although diagnosis of MS has greatly improved over the last decade, reliable prediction of the disease course (prognosis) is still not satisfying. In AD and other dementia types diagnosis is more difficult early in the disorder and depends in part on the course of symptoms. In both disease groups, clinical examination is still the main tool to assess the course of disease and the grade of impairment. Neurophysiological measurements like electroencephalography (EEG) at rest and during visual and sensory stimulation (evoked potentials, EP) represent parameters of impulse propagation in the central nervous system. These measures are likely to be abnormal early in the course of MS and AD. Therefore, they may add important information on the prognosis in MS and AD, and on the differential diagnosis of dementias. Recent technical developments allow the recording of EEG and EP with high resolution (256 channels) resulting in precise identification and localization of pathological changes. Genetic testing is likely to further improve the prediction of the disease course. Methods: In the MS subproject one hundred patients and fifty age-matched healthy controls will be examined three times at yearly intervals. Clinical and neuropsychological examination will be complemented by high-resolution EEG and EP, genetic testing and brain imaging by magnetic resonance tomography. In the AD subproject, forty patients with dementia will be compared to forty age matched healthy controls in regard to their cognitive performance, genetic profile and results of high resolution EEG and EP. All results of the different tests will be analyzed with a statistical model, which summarizes all data of an individual to a score to predict the clinical course in MS and AD. Significance: Reliable markers of disease progression and prognosis would allow to conduct clinical trials with a smaller number of patients or in less time, thus reaching clinically meaningful results more efficiently. This is especially important in MS and AD, where innovative treatment options are entering the phase of clinical testing in coming years. Moreover, improved prediction of the course of MS and AD may be useful even in individual patients for counselling and treatment decisions. High-resolution EEG: translation of neuroscience into clinical context Research Project | 2 Project MembersRecent developments in neurophysiological methods allow more precise electric source imaging and quantitation of brain connectivity. The former permits localization of brain activity with a temporal resolution of milliseconds, the latter characterization of the network configuration of the brain. Using high-resolution recordings, evoked potentials (EP) cannot only be analyzed in regard to their latency and amplitude, but also in regard to their spatial extent, which may conveys important clinical information. Furthermore, application of source localization algorithms allows automatic analysis of EP, making measurements operator independent and probably more sensitive to change. Measures of brain connectivity are based on analysis of the electro-encephalogram (EEG) at rest. High-resolution recordings allow estimating quasi reference-independent potentials and applying methods to account for volume conduction. Connectivity measures are derived from the statistical interdependency between two electrodes, which is assumed to represent connection of the underlying brain activity. As neural synchrony probably is an electrophysiological correlate of cognitive function, brain states with cognitive impairment may be characterized by altered connectivity measures. Furthermore, global measures of the configuration of the networks of the brain can be derived from connectivity analysis, which have been shown to be abnormal in case of cognitive impairment. High-resolution EEG and high-resolution EP recordings are the core methods of the research projects described below. The main project is a SNSF-sponsored project in the Special Program University Medicine (SPUM, SNSF 33CM30-124115), which is collaborative work between the Universities of Basel, Berne and Geneva. It is a longitudinal study over three years entitled: Improved prediction and monitoring of CNS disorders with advanced neurophysiological and genetic assessment. Based on previous work, high resolution EP are evaluated in Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and high resolution EEG measures in both, MS and Alzheimer s disease (AD) in regard to their value as prognostic and surrogate markers. In view of the only weak correlation of existing markers, more sensitive tools are needed to better assess new treatment options in these two disabling disorders. As neurophysiological measures directly assess function in a quantitative and reliable way, they are good candidates to meet the requirements of valid, sensitive surrogate markers. A second project on Parkinson s disease in patients undergoing deep brain stimulation evaluates the prognostic value of high-resolution EEG in regard to the cognitive outcome after surgery, a still only marginally studied aspect but with considerable impact on patients. A planned project is to correlate of the amplitude and spatial extent of the high resolution visual EP in MS patients to the measurement of the thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer, a direct marker of axonal loss. A further project will evaluate measures from high resolution EEG and event-related desynchronisation as diagnostic markers in patients with HIV and cognitive symptoms. 19.05.2009 11:50:20 Page - 7 - As high-resolution EEG is a non-invasive tool, posing only minor inconveniences to patients it is well suitable to be employed in a clinical context. Furthermore, acquisition and maintenance of the equipment is cheap in comparison to other modalities. These facts make high resolution EEG an effective and efficient tool to advance clinical research and consequently, patient care. High-resolution EEG: translation of neuroscience into clinical context Research Project | 1 Project MembersNo Description available Improved prediction and monitoring of CNS disorders with advanced neurophysiological and genetic assessment Research Project | 3 Project MembersRecent developments in neurophysiological methods allow more precise electric source imaging and quantitation of brain connectivity. The former permits localization of brain activity with a temporal resolution of milliseconds, the latter characterization of the network configuration of the brain. Using high-resolution recordings, evoked potentials (EP) cannot only be analyzed in regard to their latency and amplitude, but also in regard to their spatial extent, which may conveys important clinical information. Furthermore, application of source localization algorithms allows automatic analysis of EP, making measurements operator independent and probably more sensitive to change. Measures of brain connectivity are based on analysis of the electro-encephalogram (EEG) at rest. High-resolution recordings allow estimating quasi reference-independent potentials and applying methods to account for volume conduction. Connectivity measures are derived from the statistical interdependency between two electrodes, which is assumed to represent connection of the underlying brain activity. As neural synchrony probably is an electrophysiological correlate of cognitive function, brain states with cognitive impairment may be characterized by altered connectivity measures. Furthermore, global measures of the configuration of the networks of the brain can be derived from connectivity analysis, which have been shown to be abnormal in case of cognitive impairment. High-resolution EEG and high-resolution EP recordings are the core methods of the research projects described below. The main project is a SNSF-sponsored project in the Special Program University Medicine (SPUM, SNSF 33CM30-124115), which is collaborative work between the Universities of Basel, Berne and Geneva. It is a longitudinal study over three years entitled: Improved prediction and monitoring of CNS disorders with advanced neurophysiological and genetic assessment. Based on previous work, high resolution EP are evaluated in Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and high resolution EEG measures in both, MS and Alzheimer s disease (AD) in regard to their value as prognostic and surrogate markers. In view of the only weak correlation of existing markers, more sensitive tools are needed to better assess new treatment options in these two disabling disorders. As neurophysiological measures directly assess function in a quantitative and reliable way, they are good candidates to meet the requirements of valid, sensitive surrogate markers. A second project on Parkinson s disease in patients undergoing deep brain stimulation evaluates the prognostic value of high-resolution EEG in regard to the cognitive outcome after surgery, a still only marginally studied aspect but with considerable impact on patients. A planned project is to correlate of the amplitude and spatial extent of the high resolution visual EP in MS patients to the measurement of the thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer, a direct marker of axonal loss. A further project will evaluate measures from high resolution EEG and event-related desynchronisation as diagnostic markers in patients with HIV and cognitive symptoms. 19.05.2009 11:50:20 Page - 7 - As high-resolution EEG is a non-invasive tool, posing only minor inconveniences to patients it is well suitable to be employed in a clinical context. Furthermore, acquisition and maintenance of the equipment is cheap in comparison to other modalities. These facts make high resolution EEG an effective and efficient tool to advance clinical research and consequently, patient care. 12 12 OverviewMembersPublicationsProjects & Collaborations
Projects & Collaborations 14 foundShow per page10 10 20 50 Veränderungen im quantitativen EEG als Demenzprädiktor bei Patienten mit Morbus Parkinson. Research Project | 1 Project MembersNo Description available Ein computerisiertes Tool zum Training des Arbeitsgedächtnisses bei Patienten mit M. Parkinson Research Project | 1 Project MembersNo Description available SPUM-Ergänzungsfinanzierung Research Project | 1 Project MembersNo Description available Quantitatives EEG als Verlaufsparameter für Demenzentwicklung bei Morbus Parkinson Research Project | 1 Project MembersNo Description available Computerisiertes Tool zum Training des Arbeitsgedächtnisses bei Pat. mit M. Parkinson Research Project | 1 Project MembersNo Description available QEEG Veränderungen als prädiktiver Marker bei Patienten mit M. Parkinson und geplanter Tiefenhirnstimulation Research Project | 1 Project Membersder wissenschaftlic Improved prediction and montoring of CNS disorders with advanced neurophysiological and genetic assessment Research Project | 10 Project MembersObjective: To establish a numerical model for better characterization and prediction of the course of the two most prevalent chronic neurological disorders with high impact on quality of life in young and elderly human beings, respectively: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). The numerical model will contain clinical, neuropsychological, genetic, imaging and neurophysiological data. Background: Although diagnosis of MS has greatly improved over the last decade, reliable prediction of the disease course (prognosis) is still not satisfying. In AD and other dementia types diagnosis is more difficult early in the disorder and depends in part on the course of symptoms. In both disease groups, clinical examination is still the main tool to assess the course of disease and the grade of impairment. Neurophysiological measurements like electroencephalography (EEG) at rest and during visual and sensory stimulation (evoked potentials, EP) represent parameters of impulse propagation in the central nervous system. These measures are likely to be abnormal early in the course of MS and AD. Therefore, they may add important information on the prognosis in MS and AD, and on the differential diagnosis of dementias. Recent technical developments allow the recording of EEG and EP with high resolution (256 channels) resulting in precise identification and localization of pathological changes. Genetic testing is likely to further improve the prediction of the disease course. Methods: In the MS subproject one hundred patients and fifty age-matched healthy controls will be examined three times at yearly intervals. Clinical and neuropsychological examination will be complemented by high-resolution EEG and EP, genetic testing and brain imaging by magnetic resonance tomography. In the AD subproject, forty patients with dementia will be compared to forty age matched healthy controls in regard to their cognitive performance, genetic profile and results of high resolution EEG and EP. All results of the different tests will be analyzed with a statistical model, which summarizes all data of an individual to a score to predict the clinical course in MS and AD. Significance: Reliable markers of disease progression and prognosis would allow to conduct clinical trials with a smaller number of patients or in less time, thus reaching clinically meaningful results more efficiently. This is especially important in MS and AD, where innovative treatment options are entering the phase of clinical testing in coming years. Moreover, improved prediction of the course of MS and AD may be useful even in individual patients for counselling and treatment decisions. High-resolution EEG: translation of neuroscience into clinical context Research Project | 2 Project MembersRecent developments in neurophysiological methods allow more precise electric source imaging and quantitation of brain connectivity. The former permits localization of brain activity with a temporal resolution of milliseconds, the latter characterization of the network configuration of the brain. Using high-resolution recordings, evoked potentials (EP) cannot only be analyzed in regard to their latency and amplitude, but also in regard to their spatial extent, which may conveys important clinical information. Furthermore, application of source localization algorithms allows automatic analysis of EP, making measurements operator independent and probably more sensitive to change. Measures of brain connectivity are based on analysis of the electro-encephalogram (EEG) at rest. High-resolution recordings allow estimating quasi reference-independent potentials and applying methods to account for volume conduction. Connectivity measures are derived from the statistical interdependency between two electrodes, which is assumed to represent connection of the underlying brain activity. As neural synchrony probably is an electrophysiological correlate of cognitive function, brain states with cognitive impairment may be characterized by altered connectivity measures. Furthermore, global measures of the configuration of the networks of the brain can be derived from connectivity analysis, which have been shown to be abnormal in case of cognitive impairment. High-resolution EEG and high-resolution EP recordings are the core methods of the research projects described below. The main project is a SNSF-sponsored project in the Special Program University Medicine (SPUM, SNSF 33CM30-124115), which is collaborative work between the Universities of Basel, Berne and Geneva. It is a longitudinal study over three years entitled: Improved prediction and monitoring of CNS disorders with advanced neurophysiological and genetic assessment. Based on previous work, high resolution EP are evaluated in Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and high resolution EEG measures in both, MS and Alzheimer s disease (AD) in regard to their value as prognostic and surrogate markers. In view of the only weak correlation of existing markers, more sensitive tools are needed to better assess new treatment options in these two disabling disorders. As neurophysiological measures directly assess function in a quantitative and reliable way, they are good candidates to meet the requirements of valid, sensitive surrogate markers. A second project on Parkinson s disease in patients undergoing deep brain stimulation evaluates the prognostic value of high-resolution EEG in regard to the cognitive outcome after surgery, a still only marginally studied aspect but with considerable impact on patients. A planned project is to correlate of the amplitude and spatial extent of the high resolution visual EP in MS patients to the measurement of the thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer, a direct marker of axonal loss. A further project will evaluate measures from high resolution EEG and event-related desynchronisation as diagnostic markers in patients with HIV and cognitive symptoms. 19.05.2009 11:50:20 Page - 7 - As high-resolution EEG is a non-invasive tool, posing only minor inconveniences to patients it is well suitable to be employed in a clinical context. Furthermore, acquisition and maintenance of the equipment is cheap in comparison to other modalities. These facts make high resolution EEG an effective and efficient tool to advance clinical research and consequently, patient care. High-resolution EEG: translation of neuroscience into clinical context Research Project | 1 Project MembersNo Description available Improved prediction and monitoring of CNS disorders with advanced neurophysiological and genetic assessment Research Project | 3 Project MembersRecent developments in neurophysiological methods allow more precise electric source imaging and quantitation of brain connectivity. The former permits localization of brain activity with a temporal resolution of milliseconds, the latter characterization of the network configuration of the brain. Using high-resolution recordings, evoked potentials (EP) cannot only be analyzed in regard to their latency and amplitude, but also in regard to their spatial extent, which may conveys important clinical information. Furthermore, application of source localization algorithms allows automatic analysis of EP, making measurements operator independent and probably more sensitive to change. Measures of brain connectivity are based on analysis of the electro-encephalogram (EEG) at rest. High-resolution recordings allow estimating quasi reference-independent potentials and applying methods to account for volume conduction. Connectivity measures are derived from the statistical interdependency between two electrodes, which is assumed to represent connection of the underlying brain activity. As neural synchrony probably is an electrophysiological correlate of cognitive function, brain states with cognitive impairment may be characterized by altered connectivity measures. Furthermore, global measures of the configuration of the networks of the brain can be derived from connectivity analysis, which have been shown to be abnormal in case of cognitive impairment. High-resolution EEG and high-resolution EP recordings are the core methods of the research projects described below. The main project is a SNSF-sponsored project in the Special Program University Medicine (SPUM, SNSF 33CM30-124115), which is collaborative work between the Universities of Basel, Berne and Geneva. It is a longitudinal study over three years entitled: Improved prediction and monitoring of CNS disorders with advanced neurophysiological and genetic assessment. Based on previous work, high resolution EP are evaluated in Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and high resolution EEG measures in both, MS and Alzheimer s disease (AD) in regard to their value as prognostic and surrogate markers. In view of the only weak correlation of existing markers, more sensitive tools are needed to better assess new treatment options in these two disabling disorders. As neurophysiological measures directly assess function in a quantitative and reliable way, they are good candidates to meet the requirements of valid, sensitive surrogate markers. A second project on Parkinson s disease in patients undergoing deep brain stimulation evaluates the prognostic value of high-resolution EEG in regard to the cognitive outcome after surgery, a still only marginally studied aspect but with considerable impact on patients. A planned project is to correlate of the amplitude and spatial extent of the high resolution visual EP in MS patients to the measurement of the thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer, a direct marker of axonal loss. A further project will evaluate measures from high resolution EEG and event-related desynchronisation as diagnostic markers in patients with HIV and cognitive symptoms. 19.05.2009 11:50:20 Page - 7 - As high-resolution EEG is a non-invasive tool, posing only minor inconveniences to patients it is well suitable to be employed in a clinical context. Furthermore, acquisition and maintenance of the equipment is cheap in comparison to other modalities. These facts make high resolution EEG an effective and efficient tool to advance clinical research and consequently, patient care. 12 12
Veränderungen im quantitativen EEG als Demenzprädiktor bei Patienten mit Morbus Parkinson. Research Project | 1 Project MembersNo Description available
Ein computerisiertes Tool zum Training des Arbeitsgedächtnisses bei Patienten mit M. Parkinson Research Project | 1 Project MembersNo Description available
Quantitatives EEG als Verlaufsparameter für Demenzentwicklung bei Morbus Parkinson Research Project | 1 Project MembersNo Description available
Computerisiertes Tool zum Training des Arbeitsgedächtnisses bei Pat. mit M. Parkinson Research Project | 1 Project MembersNo Description available
QEEG Veränderungen als prädiktiver Marker bei Patienten mit M. Parkinson und geplanter Tiefenhirnstimulation Research Project | 1 Project Membersder wissenschaftlic
Improved prediction and montoring of CNS disorders with advanced neurophysiological and genetic assessment Research Project | 10 Project MembersObjective: To establish a numerical model for better characterization and prediction of the course of the two most prevalent chronic neurological disorders with high impact on quality of life in young and elderly human beings, respectively: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). The numerical model will contain clinical, neuropsychological, genetic, imaging and neurophysiological data. Background: Although diagnosis of MS has greatly improved over the last decade, reliable prediction of the disease course (prognosis) is still not satisfying. In AD and other dementia types diagnosis is more difficult early in the disorder and depends in part on the course of symptoms. In both disease groups, clinical examination is still the main tool to assess the course of disease and the grade of impairment. Neurophysiological measurements like electroencephalography (EEG) at rest and during visual and sensory stimulation (evoked potentials, EP) represent parameters of impulse propagation in the central nervous system. These measures are likely to be abnormal early in the course of MS and AD. Therefore, they may add important information on the prognosis in MS and AD, and on the differential diagnosis of dementias. Recent technical developments allow the recording of EEG and EP with high resolution (256 channels) resulting in precise identification and localization of pathological changes. Genetic testing is likely to further improve the prediction of the disease course. Methods: In the MS subproject one hundred patients and fifty age-matched healthy controls will be examined three times at yearly intervals. Clinical and neuropsychological examination will be complemented by high-resolution EEG and EP, genetic testing and brain imaging by magnetic resonance tomography. In the AD subproject, forty patients with dementia will be compared to forty age matched healthy controls in regard to their cognitive performance, genetic profile and results of high resolution EEG and EP. All results of the different tests will be analyzed with a statistical model, which summarizes all data of an individual to a score to predict the clinical course in MS and AD. Significance: Reliable markers of disease progression and prognosis would allow to conduct clinical trials with a smaller number of patients or in less time, thus reaching clinically meaningful results more efficiently. This is especially important in MS and AD, where innovative treatment options are entering the phase of clinical testing in coming years. Moreover, improved prediction of the course of MS and AD may be useful even in individual patients for counselling and treatment decisions.
High-resolution EEG: translation of neuroscience into clinical context Research Project | 2 Project MembersRecent developments in neurophysiological methods allow more precise electric source imaging and quantitation of brain connectivity. The former permits localization of brain activity with a temporal resolution of milliseconds, the latter characterization of the network configuration of the brain. Using high-resolution recordings, evoked potentials (EP) cannot only be analyzed in regard to their latency and amplitude, but also in regard to their spatial extent, which may conveys important clinical information. Furthermore, application of source localization algorithms allows automatic analysis of EP, making measurements operator independent and probably more sensitive to change. Measures of brain connectivity are based on analysis of the electro-encephalogram (EEG) at rest. High-resolution recordings allow estimating quasi reference-independent potentials and applying methods to account for volume conduction. Connectivity measures are derived from the statistical interdependency between two electrodes, which is assumed to represent connection of the underlying brain activity. As neural synchrony probably is an electrophysiological correlate of cognitive function, brain states with cognitive impairment may be characterized by altered connectivity measures. Furthermore, global measures of the configuration of the networks of the brain can be derived from connectivity analysis, which have been shown to be abnormal in case of cognitive impairment. High-resolution EEG and high-resolution EP recordings are the core methods of the research projects described below. The main project is a SNSF-sponsored project in the Special Program University Medicine (SPUM, SNSF 33CM30-124115), which is collaborative work between the Universities of Basel, Berne and Geneva. It is a longitudinal study over three years entitled: Improved prediction and monitoring of CNS disorders with advanced neurophysiological and genetic assessment. Based on previous work, high resolution EP are evaluated in Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and high resolution EEG measures in both, MS and Alzheimer s disease (AD) in regard to their value as prognostic and surrogate markers. In view of the only weak correlation of existing markers, more sensitive tools are needed to better assess new treatment options in these two disabling disorders. As neurophysiological measures directly assess function in a quantitative and reliable way, they are good candidates to meet the requirements of valid, sensitive surrogate markers. A second project on Parkinson s disease in patients undergoing deep brain stimulation evaluates the prognostic value of high-resolution EEG in regard to the cognitive outcome after surgery, a still only marginally studied aspect but with considerable impact on patients. A planned project is to correlate of the amplitude and spatial extent of the high resolution visual EP in MS patients to the measurement of the thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer, a direct marker of axonal loss. A further project will evaluate measures from high resolution EEG and event-related desynchronisation as diagnostic markers in patients with HIV and cognitive symptoms. 19.05.2009 11:50:20 Page - 7 - As high-resolution EEG is a non-invasive tool, posing only minor inconveniences to patients it is well suitable to be employed in a clinical context. Furthermore, acquisition and maintenance of the equipment is cheap in comparison to other modalities. These facts make high resolution EEG an effective and efficient tool to advance clinical research and consequently, patient care.
High-resolution EEG: translation of neuroscience into clinical context Research Project | 1 Project MembersNo Description available
Improved prediction and monitoring of CNS disorders with advanced neurophysiological and genetic assessment Research Project | 3 Project MembersRecent developments in neurophysiological methods allow more precise electric source imaging and quantitation of brain connectivity. The former permits localization of brain activity with a temporal resolution of milliseconds, the latter characterization of the network configuration of the brain. Using high-resolution recordings, evoked potentials (EP) cannot only be analyzed in regard to their latency and amplitude, but also in regard to their spatial extent, which may conveys important clinical information. Furthermore, application of source localization algorithms allows automatic analysis of EP, making measurements operator independent and probably more sensitive to change. Measures of brain connectivity are based on analysis of the electro-encephalogram (EEG) at rest. High-resolution recordings allow estimating quasi reference-independent potentials and applying methods to account for volume conduction. Connectivity measures are derived from the statistical interdependency between two electrodes, which is assumed to represent connection of the underlying brain activity. As neural synchrony probably is an electrophysiological correlate of cognitive function, brain states with cognitive impairment may be characterized by altered connectivity measures. Furthermore, global measures of the configuration of the networks of the brain can be derived from connectivity analysis, which have been shown to be abnormal in case of cognitive impairment. High-resolution EEG and high-resolution EP recordings are the core methods of the research projects described below. The main project is a SNSF-sponsored project in the Special Program University Medicine (SPUM, SNSF 33CM30-124115), which is collaborative work between the Universities of Basel, Berne and Geneva. It is a longitudinal study over three years entitled: Improved prediction and monitoring of CNS disorders with advanced neurophysiological and genetic assessment. Based on previous work, high resolution EP are evaluated in Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and high resolution EEG measures in both, MS and Alzheimer s disease (AD) in regard to their value as prognostic and surrogate markers. In view of the only weak correlation of existing markers, more sensitive tools are needed to better assess new treatment options in these two disabling disorders. As neurophysiological measures directly assess function in a quantitative and reliable way, they are good candidates to meet the requirements of valid, sensitive surrogate markers. A second project on Parkinson s disease in patients undergoing deep brain stimulation evaluates the prognostic value of high-resolution EEG in regard to the cognitive outcome after surgery, a still only marginally studied aspect but with considerable impact on patients. A planned project is to correlate of the amplitude and spatial extent of the high resolution visual EP in MS patients to the measurement of the thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer, a direct marker of axonal loss. A further project will evaluate measures from high resolution EEG and event-related desynchronisation as diagnostic markers in patients with HIV and cognitive symptoms. 19.05.2009 11:50:20 Page - 7 - As high-resolution EEG is a non-invasive tool, posing only minor inconveniences to patients it is well suitable to be employed in a clinical context. Furthermore, acquisition and maintenance of the equipment is cheap in comparison to other modalities. These facts make high resolution EEG an effective and efficient tool to advance clinical research and consequently, patient care.
