Impact of a cognitive intervention program on brain structure and function in adults with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI)

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is one of the least understood neurological injuries. Increasing evidence shows that the effects of mTBI are not transient and may be associated with significant long-term consequences on brain function and may lead to long-term changes in the functioning of the brain with impacts on many areas related to information processing. Over a lifetime, repeated brain trauma is a significant risk factor for developing neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). Currently, there is very limited research on the effectiveness cognitive rehabilitation in patients with mTBI. The purpose of this study is to gain insight into how a cognitive intervention program – specifically the Arrowsmith program, alters the structure and function of the brain in adults with mTBI. In this project the interns will be involved in analyzing brain scans of patients with mTBI before and after the Arrowsmith program to determine how this program may result in changes in the brain. This research is very important to the Eaton Arrowsmith group to understand how the program impacts brain function after brain injury.

Faculty Supervisor:

Dr. Naznin Virji-Babul

Student:

Jenna Smith-Forrester & Shaun Porter

Partner:

Eaton Educational Group

Discipline:

Human physical performance and recreation

Sector:

Education

University:

University of British Columbia