The Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology Division conducts studies to better understand abnormalities in persons suffering from a variety of brain disorders using state of the art imaging and clinical studies. The disorders we focus on are Major Depression, Bipolar Disorder, suicidal behavior, and Alzheimer's Disease. We study post-mortem brain tissue at the cellular level using autoradiography.
Patients currently suffering from these disorders participate in studies that use positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to identify biochemical, anatomical and functional abnormalities in the brain. For both patients and deceased subjects, we rely on extensive clinical evaluation, as well as genetics. The goal of the research is to identify the molecules responsible for these disorders and determine if the molecules are abnormal in their location or density. With this knowledge, we hope to more accurately diagnose patients, identify individuals at high risk, and develop better treatments.
