Brain and Nerves

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small noncoding regulators controlling approximately 60 per cent of human genes, have strong early diagnostic potential due to their ability to modulate complex gene networks and stability in extracellular fluids. However, blood-based miRNA findings remain inconsistent, highlighting the need for alternative, scalable biofluids. This study aims to demonstrate the translational potential of tear-fluid miRNAs as non-invasive, clinically relevant early biomarkers for diagnosing sporadic Alzheimer’s disease.

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of a six-month resistance exercise training program on the cognitive health of perimenopausal women. 

Participants will randomly be assigned to attend either two resistance training classes or two Pilates classes per week. In addition to the exercise classes, there are three study measurement sessions, at the beginning, middle and the end of the intervention. 

The purpose of this study is to examine the feasibility of a wireless technology named near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in monitoring leg muscle blood flow and oxygenation and tissue pressure during a protocol of running. The research team will also investigate the ability of non-invasive NIRS in the diagnosis of CECS-induced leg muscle oxygen insufficiency. 

The purpose of this study is to improve how we use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess new treatments for multiple sclerosis (MS) in the future, and to advance personalized care. Advanced MRI research involves gathering different sequences or images not typically collected on a routine clinical MRI. These images will allow the research team to specifically look at myelin in fine detail along with other measures of brain structure and overall brain health.

The purpose of the study is to determine whether a 26-week exercise training program or cognitive training program can improve sleep quality in stroke survivors who are experiencing poor sleep quality.

The purpose of this study is to compare two non-invasive neurostimulation techniques (ECT and MST) in the treatment of schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.

The purpose of this study is to independently measure the annualized relapse rate (ARR) with administration of frexalimab compared to a daily oral dose of teriflunomide in male and female participants with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis who are 18 to 55 years of age at the time of enrollment. 

The purpose of this study is to investigate the safety and effectiveness of non-invasive transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (TSCS) in conjunction with conventional rehabilitation in helping with the recovery of bladder function in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). The study team will assess immediate TSCS efficacy when the stimulation is turned on, as well as the persisting effects of TSCS (e.g. any changes in function) that remain after the stimulation is turned off and after several weeks of regular stimulation.

The purpose of this study is to identify gaps in health services and make recommendations for the development of high-quality and equitable systems of stroke care informed by young women stroke survivors' experiences.

The purpose of this study is to contribute to improving our understanding of functioning in psychosis. Memory is an important predictor of how well individuals affected by schizophrenia and related psychoses are able function in their social and occupational lives. However, the exact structures and functions in the brain responsible for this relationship are currently unknown.

The purpose of this study is to collect biospecimens (fecal, urine, blood) and clinical data to serve as a resource for future research on Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders. The careful collection, storage and retrieval of biospecimens and medical information for research projects are critical for improving understanding of healthy development and disease mechanisms and the subsequent development of effective treatments. Biospecimens from this biobank will be made available for ethically-approved studies.

The purpose of this study is to develop a means, via a wearable sensor, to detect the subtle physiological changes that may occur before wearing off (WO) of a Parkinson's disease treatment called levodopa become consciously felt to allow for medication to be taken and absorbed in time to prevent the WO from occurring.

The purpose of this study is to: investigate the feasibility of using virtual reality (e.g. the Saebo-VR) after acquired brain injury to target activities; understand clinician opinions towards virtual reality technology who are working in adult brain injury rehabilitation; and understand the opinions of people with acquired brain injury who have used virtual reality technology.

The purpose of this study is to determine if a 26-week health coaching program can increase time spent in moderate to vigorous physical activity and improve mobility compared with a 26-week group health education program in older adults with limited mobility.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of non-invasive transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (TCSCS) on cardiovascular, bladder, bowel and sexual function in people with spinal cord injury. The study team is interested in the immediate, long-term and longer-term effects (eight weeks after cessation of therapy) of non-invasive stimulation on these functions.

The purpose of this study is to test whether a specific combination of biomarkers discovered during previous studies can help predict how someone experiencing a major depressive episode will respond to treatment. The study will also explore other possible biomarkers that may predict treatment response, which may help in the future development of tests that can guide treatment choice more effectively and more quickly.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the user-friendliness and trustworthiness of a website called My Guide Concussion – Teen Edition. B.C. and Yukon have limited medical resources for concussion management, so the My Guide Concussion – Teen Edition website was developed as an online concussion resource and self-management guide for adolescents recovering from concussion. The study will determine whether the website satisfies the needs of patients, caregivers and other stakeholders. Results of this study will inform revisions to the site to improve its usability and scalability.

The purpose of this study is to recruit volunteer patients and healthy individuals for the UBC Brain Biobank, a state-of-the-art facility located at the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health. Participants will provide 25ml of blood to be collected at the time of recruitment. These specimens will be processed and stored for ethics-approved brain research purposes in the future. The UBC Brain Biobank will also request access to participants' clinical records, which will be securely stored in a limited-access database and will be shared with researchers in a de-identified manner.

The purpose of this study is to examine whether cannabidiol (also known as CBD) is effective in treating symptoms of depression in people diagnosed with bipolar disorder type I or II when added to their regular medications.

Recruitment Poster

The purpose of this study is to explore the effects of online navigational training on memory and the brain after a moderate or severe head injury.