Mr Alexander Peattie

My work has focussed on the neurocognitive sequalae of chronic Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), particularly the domains of response inhibition, working memory, executive function, and sustained attention – and how the pharmacological catecholaminergic stimulant Methylphenidate (MPh) ameliorates cognitive deficits by upregulating synaptic DA/NA concentrations. This research has used both inside-scanner and outside-scanner neuropsychological testing via the CANTAB cognitive assessments. This work has also investigated their cognitive ability and psychiatric status using the NART, MMSE, NPI, BDI, VAS, and SF-36 questionnaires among others. I utilised both task-based and resting-state fMRI as well as DTI approaches to characterise the neurobiological underpinnings of TBI-deficits and MPh’s treatment effects compared to normative healthy control data. I have also collaborated with others in analysing patients with Disorders of Consciousness (DOC), the neurofunctional correlates of anaesthesia, and the effects of psychopharmacological modulators on resting-state fMRI data. TBI, DOC, and depressive conditions share neurological, behavioural, and cognitive deficits due to damage to monoaminergic structures http://anaesthetics.medschl.cam.ac.uk/staff/alex-peattie/