PET Scan to Map the Areas of the Brain Involved in Planning

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a technique used to investigate the functional activity of the brain. The PET technique allows doctors to study the normal processes of the brain (central nervous system) of normal individuals and patients with neurologic illnesses without physical / structural damage to the brain. When a region of the brain is active, it uses more fuel in the form of oxygen and sugar (glucose). As the brain uses more fuel it produces more waste products, carbon dioxide and water. Blood carries fuel to the brain and waste products away from the brain. As brain activity increases blood flow to and from the area of activity increases also. Knowing these facts, researchers can use radioactive water (H215O) and PET scans to observe what areas of the brain are receiving more blood flow. This study will attempt to determine the areas of the brain activated by planning processes and decision making. Researchers will ask patients to participate in tests and games (chess) that will stimulate the areas of the brain involved with decision making and planning while undergoing the water PET blood flow technique.

This protocol will attempt to determine the topographical distribution in the brain of the cognitive components of planning using the [150] water PET blood flow technique. We will administer perception, motor, simple decision, and planning tasks using the game of chess and the Tower of Hanoi Test as paradigms. Utilizing a "subtraction technique" we hope to identify those areas of cerebral cortex which are most activated by planning processes. It is predicted that the dorsolateral frontal areas will be most prominently activated. It is also predicted that the essential components of the planning process will be the same regardless of the type of plans being executed. The data we collect will be of value in determining 1) the neural representation of planning processes and 2) in guiding cognitive models of the planning system.

Blood Flow, Chess Play, Frontal Lobe, Neurobehavioral Deficits, Neuropsychology, Positron Emission Tomography, Prefrontal Cortex

Normal Controls: Males and female subjects from two age ranges: 18-30 and 50-65 years of age. Individuals with a history of neurological or psychiatric disorder will not be included nor will individuals currently taking psychoactive medication. Patients: Patients with outstanding problems in planning. Patients must have a diagnosed CNS disorder with lesion localization verified by MRI scanning available from the referring physician or completed at the NIH Clinical Center. Patients with unilateral or bilateral lesions that meet the behavioral criteria for selection (planning disorder). Patients will be medication free (or taking medication with no known central nervous system effects) and be able to understand instructions and task demands.

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