Exploring the threshold of mental health impact on cognition

The objective of this project is to better understand the impact prevalent mental health challenges have on cognition. For this pilot study, neurophysiological electroencephalography (EEG) will be investigated in three different mental health population groups: those suffering from Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD), depression, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Portable EEG will be used to assess attention and information processing in participants. Standard clinical evaluations of GAD, depression and PTSD will also be acquired. Clinical mental health testing will be compared with cognitive EEG data.

The study will focus on two key objectives: 1) determine whether mental health challenges correlate significantly with changes in cognitive EEG; and 2) explore potential threshold levels of cognitive impact by mental health severity. The approach uses advances in signal processing and artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) to explore the relationship between neurophysiological EEG and clinical mental health evaluation. The integrated work involves a strategic partnership with the not-for-profit Legion Veterans Village (LVV) to examine possible impacts of mental health challenges and cognition in first responders.

Faculty Supervisor:

Ryan D’Arcy

Student:

Partner:

Legion Veterans Village Research Foundation

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Other services (except public administration)

University:

Simon Fraser University

Program: