When the Brain Imaging Centre (BIC) first opened its doors in 2016, the excitement at The Royal was palpable. Being the first of its kind in Canada dedicated solely to mental health and neuroscience research, the BIC has been key in attracting expert brain researchers from across the country and internationally.
The number of research collaborations and scope of the BIC continues to grow all the time. We currently have 40 ongoing studies that are leveraging the PET-MRI technology at the BIC.
By making the invisible visible through advanced brain imaging, we are not only making strides towards transforming mental health research and care, but we are also helping to move the needle on destigmatizing mental illness.One researcher, Dr. Clifford Cassidy, who recently discovered a promising new brain-based biomarker that could help transform schizophrenia diagnosis and treatment, has a new project focused on youth. Participants aged 6-17 will participate in a study examining how neuromelanin (NM) MRI signal changes as children grow up. NM is one of the few brain chemicals that can be measured non-invasively with MRI. NM is created from dopamine, one of the most important neurotransmitters.
This study could allow us for the first time to assess the function of the dopamine system during normal human development, since pre-existing dopamine imaging tools are not deemed safe for use in youth. This will in turn allow us to better understand the role dopamine plays in youth with ADHD or who are at risk of developing addiction or schizophrenia.
The BIC has also seen growth in partnerships with local health care organizations. A researcher from CHEO is also benefiting from the BIC. Dr. Andrée-Anne Ledoux, who has expertise in the field of concussion and mental health, is preparing to start a study entitled “Mindfulness-Based Intervention for Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries.” This study is in children aged 12-18 years old. In this study, Dr. Ledoux hopes to use functional MRI to understand how concussion related disruptions in a specific brain network are mediated by mindfulness-based interventions (MBI).
By making the invisible visible through advanced brain imaging, we are not only making strides towards transforming mental health research and care, but we are also helping to move the needle on destigmatizing mental illness - by demonstrating that like any other medical condition, depression and related mental health disorders have an objective biology.
Our mission is to defeat mental illness, and the philanthropic community has been integral in working alongside us, towards this goal.
The continued success and growth of our Brain Imaging Centre and Research Institute would not be possible without donor support and partnership.