PABI Plan - The Sarah Jane Brain Project

Maki PM, Cohen M, Weber K, Little DM, Fornelli D, Perschler P, Gould F, Martin E. (2009) Deficits in verbal
memory and hippocampal function in HIV-positive women. Neurology; 72:1661-8.
Vaillancourt DE, Spraker MB, Prodoehl J, Abraham I, Corcos DM, Zhou XJ, Comella CL, Little DM. (2009)
High resolution diffusion tensor imaging in the substantia nigra of de novo Parkinson’s disease.
Neurology, Jan 7 [Epub ahead of print]
Szlyk JP, Little DM. (2009) An fMRI Study of Word-Level Recognition and Processing in Patients with Age-
Related Macular Degeneration. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci; Apr 22 [Epub ahead of print].
C. Research Support
Ongoing Research Support:
R21 AG028662 Little (PI). Anatomical correlates of executive function decline in normal aging, NIH/NIA,
2007-2009.
The goal of the project is to determine the relative roles of axonal versus neuronal loss in normal aging as they
relate to behavioral declines in so-called executive functions. To do this we plan to use standard structural
MRI, fMRI, and high-resolution DTI in super-healthy younger adults, middle-aged adults, and older adults.
There is no overlap with the current proposal. There is no overlap with the proposed research.
Role: Principle Investigator, 32% Effort
High Resolution Diffusion Tensor Imaging of White Matter Integrity in Mild TBI, CINN Foundation, 2007-
2009.
The goal of the project is to examine the contributions of axonal injury and myelin damage to sustained
cognitive deficits in patients who have sustained a single, closed-head, mild traumatic brain injury. To do this,
we plan to use detailed neuropsychological testing, a neurobehavioral interview, as well as high resolution
diffusion tensor imaging in groups of healthy controls and in patients with brain injuries. This grant provided
pilot data for the current proposal. There is no overlap with the proposed investigation.
Role: Principle Investigator, No Salary Support
High Resolution Diffusion Tensor Imaging of Cortical-Subcortical White Matter Tracts in TBI, Department of
Defense 2008-2011
The goal of the project is to examine the effects of TBI on white matter tracts which connect cortical to
subcortical structures. To do this, we plan to use high resolution diffusion tensor imaging in groups of healthy
controls and in patients with brain injuries.
This grant has a focus on basic methodological development which supports the current investigation.
Role: Principle Investigator, 25% Effort
Scaling and sequencing motor output in humans: an fMRI and DTI study. Pending. 2009-2013
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
This grant sets out to characterize structural integrity of the basal ganglia in patients with parkinson’s disease
and relate changes in structural integrity to functional alteration in function. There is no overlap with the
proposed research.
Role: Co-Investigator, 5% Salary