Memory | Cervo Brain Research Centre

	Isabelle Blanchette Isabelle Blanchette étudie comment les processus cognitifs tels que la mémoire, l’attention et le raisonnement sont affectés par les émotions; autant les émotions modérées de la vie quotidienne que les émotions intenses associées aux événements potentiellement traumatiques. Ses études mesurent l’impact cognitifs d’événements tels que les agressions sexuelles, les accidents de la route ou le stress opérationnel. Plusieurs projets portent sur l’impact psychologique de l’exposition aux conflits armés pour les populations civiles, notamment au Rwanda et en République Démocratique du Congo. Ses...
	Yves De Koninck Synaptic transmission: from chronic pain to Alzheimer's disease Yves De Koninck's work focuses on the transmission of signals from one neuron to another, also called synaptic transmission, and the necessary balance between excitatory and inhibitory signals in the brain and spinal cord. His research has shown how a normally benign stimulus can turn into a pain signal, leading to the development of chronic pain. One person in five will experience chronic pain in their lifetime, a proportion that increases with age. This is the leading cause of disability in the country...
	Paul De Koninck Discoveries about the molecular mechanisms that control the connections between neurons and the development of neural circuits for learning and memory Professor Paul De Koninck and his team study the development of connections between neurons, called synapses, and their remodeling in response to stimuli. These mechanisms of neural circuit remodeling are the basis of learning and memory. Their precise regulation is crucial as abnormal levels of neuronal activity can lead to disorders such as Alzheimer's disease or schizophrenia. Using advanced neurophotonic technologies...
	Nicolas Doyon Reaching a deeper understanding of neurons and neural networks through mathematical simulation and modeling. Professor Nicolas Doyon, from the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, uses his expertise in mathematical modeling to better understand how ion transporters influence signal processing by neurons. Precise control of the amounts of certain ions, such as chloride ions, is necessary for the proper functioning of neurons. Professor Doyon's studies have led to a better understanding of the spatio-temporal control of ion transport in neurons. Defects in the...
	Simon Duchesne Important discoveries in brain imaging enabling early diagnosis of brain disorders Dr. Simon Duchesne's research aims to enable the earliest possible diagnosis of degeneration of the brain, as caused by disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. By comparing measurements taken from radiological images of the brains of cognitively healthy people with those of the brains of people with a disease, Professor Duchesne can determine the significant differences that characterize the latter. The presence of such "biomarkers" in the brain could predict the onset of symptoms decades in advance...
	Simon Hardy Development of mathematical models to understand and analyze complex biological systems Professor Simon Hardy develops mathematical and computational models based on experimental data that allow us to analyze the complex dynamics of biological systems. In collaboration with biologists, Dr. Hardy's team is developing theoretical models of neurons integrating physiological, biochemical and electrical current measurements in neural networks. The models developed can predict the system's response in different situations, how the normal behavior of the system can be...
	Carol Hudon Development of novel methods for early detection, and non-pharmacological treatments of cognitive decline during aging Dr. Hudon is a neuropsychologist who develops approaches to better diagnose and treat disorders that occur most often in the elderly population, such as mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. Early detection increases the likelihood that a change in lifestyle and certain treatments may delay the progression of the disease, significantly improving the quality of life of people affected. Dr. Hudon uses and tests neuropsychological assessment and...
	Joël Macoir Early detection of neurodegenerative diseases by language tests and other cognitive tests Professor Joël Macoir's research aims to develop and validate tests to detect or diagnose language and cognition disorders associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, progressive primary aphasia and other forms of dementia. Recently, projects in this area of research have led to the development of a quick and simple test that can be administered by frontline health care professionals to detect the presence of language disorders commonly observed in pathological...
	Luca Pellegrini Professor Luca Pellegrini's research aims to understand the factors that control the structure, morphology and localization of mitochondria in cells. Mitochondria are essential components of cells that are responsible for energy production, that are also important for communication between cells and cell survival. They are considered as the power plants of the cell and their organization and location are precisely regulated in cells. Defects in the production or maintenance of mitochondria are responsible for several degenerative diseases and severe metabolic syndromes. In...
	Nancie Rouleau Mindfulness to treat attention disorders and anxiety Dr. Nancie Rouleau's research focuses on attention disorders, and aims to develop and validate new approaches to treatment. Dr. Rouleau’s team studies mindfulness, which is a training to intentionally focus one's attention on the present experience - without attempting to modify it, which is emerging as a new way of helping people with cognitive or attention disorders to overcome these disorders. This training is done using different activities, including meditation and yoga. The first part of Dr. Rouleau's research...
	Armen Saghatelyan Studying the birth of new neurons in the brain to discover new approaches for the treatment of neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases. Research in Dr. Armen Saghatelyan’s laboratory aims to better understand how new neurons are born and integrated in the adult brain. The adult brain contains stem cells that divide to generate new neurons. Dr. Saghatelyan's team is interested in the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying stem cell division, neuronal precursor migration and the integration of new neurons in the adult brain. The olfactory bulb, which is involved in...
	Chantelle F. Sephton Investigation of new therapeutic targets to slow or prevent the development of severe neurodegenerative diseases Dr. Chantelle Sephton's research program aims to find new therapeutic targets to slow or stop the development of devastating diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia. Dr. Sephton is particularly interested in the role of two proteins, named TDP-43 and FUS, that bind to RNA, the genetic material that is used to produce proteins. These RNA binding proteins play a crucial role in controlling the production of other proteins that are...
	Igor Timofeev Studies of the mechanisms leading to the consolidation of memory during sleep. Sleep consists of several phases that form cycles that are repeated several times during the night. These phases are characterized by distinct electrical activity patterns. Certain phases, especially slow wave sleep, allow the consolidation of memory. The strengthening of connections between neurons, called synapses, underlie this consolidation, and thus, learning. Professor Igor Timofeev's research aims to understand how brain activity waves are generated, propagate and contribute to this important...

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