Example Projects
Home-based transcranial electrical stimulation for accelerated treatment in major depressive disorder
Research aims
Stage One Treatment Resistant Depression is defined as inadequate clinical response to the first round of antidepressant treatment. Compared to patients with non-treatment resistant depression, those with treatment resistant depression are more likely to be hospitalized and face higher medical costs. Additionally, chances of responding to antidepressant treatment gradually diminish with the number of failed trials.
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a form of non-invasive brain stimulation that has been shown to be an effective and well-tolerated treatment for depression. It is offered as an outpatient treatment service at NUH, but there is an increased emphasis on the need for home-based tDCS given the global COVID-19 pandemic.
This research project aims to assess whether home-based tDCS, using a portable tDCS device, will facilitate the treatment effects of a second round of antidepressant drug treatment in patients with Stage One Treatment Resistant Depression. This combined treatment aims to hinder progression from Stage One to Stage Two Treatment Resistant Depression, and alleviate depressive symptoms.
This study will take an important step exploring the use of home-based tDCS in accelerating treatment response in the early stages of depression.
How the core is integral to the study
The Neurobehavioural Core will conduct all clinical tests at baseline and follow-up to assess depressive symptoms, treatment response and quality of life. User experience of the home-based tDCS device will also be measured. The core will provide the expertise needed to carry out these assessments for data collection, as well as data analysis.”
Find out more!
Visit our Menu of Services page to find out more about the assessments we offer.
Investigating volunteerism in older adults
Research aims
The aim of this research is to investigate the impact of volunteering on physical, cognitive and mental wellbeing in older adults. Health outcomes between volunteers and non-volunteers will be compared to assess the effect volunteering has on healthy ageing. A semi-structured interview will also be carried out with participants to assess motivation behind volunteering and how volunteering has led to a change in their life.
How the core is integral to the study
The Neurobehavioural Core conducts tests assessing mood, personality and various other cognitive and behavioral outcomes such as social awareness. The core provides the manpower to coordinate the study and carry out data collection.
Find out more!
Visit our Menu of Services page to find out more about the assessments we offer.
Neurosurgery and Speech Therapy
Research aims
The aim of this study aims to develop a standardized test battery for bilinguals during awake brain surgery involving critical language brain networks. This test will be translated into multiple languages (English, Mandarin and Malay) for use with bilingual individuals. Development of a valid test battery will allow clinicians to monitor and preserve the integrity of bilingual language networks during brain tumor resection.
How the core is integral to the study
The Neurobehavioural Core will provide the expertise and manpower to administer the standardized test during awake brain surgery for normative evaluation.
Find out more!
Visit our Menu of Services page to find out more about the assessments we offer.
Study of novel clinical drug for treatment of refractory major depressive disorder
Research aims
This two-phase study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a novel clinical drug on participants diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression. The first phase aims to assess the safety and tolerability of the clinical drug. The second double-blind treatment phase will then evaluate the efficacy of the drug compared to a placebo. Drug effects on depressive cognitions, suicidal ideation, self-rated improvements and perceived functioning will be measured.
How the core is integral to the study
The Neurobehavioural Core will aid in the screening of participants to ensure eligibility. The core will also administer pre- and post-trial outcome assessments to measure cognitive functions, mood and depression, as well as mental state.
Find out more!
Visit our Menu of Services page to find out more about the assessments we offer.
Risk factors for postoperative delirium in elderly patients
Research aims
The use of deep anesthesia in surgery increases the likelihood of post-operative delirium. Post-operative delirium is linked to increased risk of dementia and other neurocognitive deficits in later years. The primary objective of this study is to establish various risk factors leading to the development of post-operative delirium in elderly patients. Additionally, it aims to understand a timeline of the development of post-operative delirium. Accuracy and utility of two simplified delirium detection assessments will be compared against each other as a means of monitoring delirium in the Singaporean Healthcare system. This study also aims to develop a recovery protocol to reduce post-operative delirium.
How the core is integral to the study
The Neurobehavioural Core will gather data on mood, cognitions and behavioural functions. Assessments will be conducted using both written and electronic measures.
Find out more!
Visit our Menu of Services page to find out more about the assessments we offer.