Computational Neurology | Kutz Research Group

Compromised Decision Making from Neurodegenerative Diseases

Encoding and Decoding Dynamics in Olfaction

Axonal Swellings in Neurons of the Hippocampus

Decision Making Tasks and Compromised Functionality

Focal Axonal Swellings in Neurons

Neurodegenerative Diseases and Compromised Decision Making

The existence of discrete swellings along neuronal axon segments, termed focal axonal swellings (FAS), are widely documented in multiple neurodegenerative pathologies including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Creutzfeldt-Jakob's, HIV dementia and Multiple Sclerosis. Many studies report cognitive, behavioral, perceptual and sensory-motor impairments coinciding with the presence of FAS, yet until recently, no theoretical framework existed to explain the link between these macro-scale behavioral symptoms and the underlying micro-scale pathology. We have developed one of the first theoretical platforms to address the effects of FAS-driven neurodegeneration and cognitive deficits.

Traumatic Brain Injury, Concussions and Cognitive Deficits

Focal axonal swellings are also a hallmark feature of concussions and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) -- the leading cause of death among youngsters worldwide and a lightning rod issue in contact sports. Further, TBI is the signature injury of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, affecting a large percentage of returning veterans. Our theoretical work helps characterize both cognitive deficits and memory loss due to TBI injuries.

Introduction to Computational Neurology Tutorials

Computational Neurology: An Introduction

This video highlights the area of computational neurology and its broad translational impact for computational neuroscience.
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Computational Neurology: Identifying Critical Regions for Spike Propagation

This video highlights how focal axonal swellings impact spike train propagation along the axon.
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Computational Neurology: Compromised Axonal Functionality After Neurodegeneration or TBI

This video highlights the effect of FAS on propagation of information along the axon. Specifically, how compromised functionality results.
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Computational Neurology: Computational Toolbox for FAS Diagnostics

This video highlights the use of a computational toolbox for evaluating FAS injuries to axons. A MATLAB toolbox is developed that can be used for evaluation.
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Computational Neurology: Suppressing memory loss with auxiliary devices

This video highlights the use of orgonoids and/or auxiliary devices for suppressing memory loss due to neurodegeneration.
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Selected Recent Publications

P. Maia, M. Hemphill, B. Zhender, C. Zhang, K. Parker and J. N. Kutz, Diagnostic tools for evaluating the impact of Focal Axonal Swellings arising in neurodegenerative diseases and/or traumatic brain injury, Journal of Neuroscience Methods 253 (2015) 233-242.
P. Maia and J. N. Kutz Compromised axonal functionality after neurodegeneration, concussion and/or traumatic brain injury, Journal of Computational Neuroscience 27 (2014) 317-332.