The aim of the project is to investigate how depression affects the brain's metabolism and blood flow. Our hypothesis is that depression disrupts metabolism and blood flow, and that these disruptions play a role in both the structural brain changes associated with depression and the cognitive challenges—such as memory and thinking difficulties—experienced by some patients.
We investigate the brain's metabolism and blood flow using an advanced brain scanner capable of measuring the brain's consumption of both oxygen (MRI) and glucose (PET). During the scan, the oxygen level in the air is lowered to simulate conditions at an altitude of approximately 4 km. The aim is to stimulate the brain's metabolism and blood flow in a safe and controlled manner.
We hope that a better understanding of the brain's metabolism and blood flow in depression can contribute to the development of new and better treatment methods.
The project is being conducted in collaboration between the Center for Neuropsychiatric Depression Research at Psychiatric Center Glostrup, Amager and Hvidovre Hospital, and the Functional Imaging Unit at the Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Rigshospitalet-Glostrup.
Researcher: Postdoc, PhD, MD Christoffer Cramer Lundsgaard
Foundations that supports the project:
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