The neuroplastic response to continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) is inherently variable. The measurement of I-wave latencies has been shown to strongly predict the magnitude and direction of the response to cTBS, whereby longer latencies are associated with stronger long-term depression-like responses. However, potential differences in this association relating to age and sex have not been explored.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFExposure to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in utero is associated with a range of adverse cognitive and neurological outcomes. Previously, we reported altered neuroplastic responses to continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) in GDM-exposed adolescents. Recent research suggests that the relative excitability of complex oligosynaptic circuits (late I-wave circuits) can predict these responses.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: Advanced age is accompanied by a deterioration in memory performance that can profoundly influence activities of daily living. However, the neural processes responsible for age-related memory decline are not fully understood. Here, we used transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in combination with electroencephalography (EEG) to assess age-related changes in neuroplasticity in the human prefrontal cortex.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFExogenously administered oxytocin interacts with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis to modulate endogenous cortisol levels, suggesting a synergistic role for these two hormones in the response to stress, cognitive performance and the development of psycho-behavioural disorders. The cortisol awakening response (CAR) is considered a reliable measure of HPA axis function in humans. However, the CAR appears to vary considerably from day to day and may be strongly influenced by the anticipated demands of the day ahead.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Children exposed to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in utero are at increased risk of neurodevelopmental difficulties, including autism and impaired motor control. However, the underlying neurophysiology is unknown.
Methods: Using transcranial magnetic stimulation, we assessed cortical excitability, long-term depression (LTD)-like neuroplasticity in 45 GDM-exposed and 12 control children aged 11-13 years.