FRRB Project 1751150 - Restoring neural oscillatory communication between dorsal and ventral visual streams in developmental dyslexia
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Name and Surname of PI |
Luca Ronconi |
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Project Acronym |
NeOsReDy |
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Project ID |
1751150 |
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Host Institution |
IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele - Milan |
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Pathology of Interest |
Developmental Dyslexia |
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Research Area |
Psychiatry and Neuroscience |
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Project Start Date |
14 June 2021 |
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Project End Date |
13 June 2024 |
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Funding |
€ 599.540,00 |
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Type of Project |
Individual |
PROJECT SUMMARY
Though recently acquired, reading represents a fundamental cognitive skill in our modern society. 10% of the population shows reading deficits because of Developmental Dyslexia (DD), representing an important research topic. Moreover, DD has consequences on individuals’ academic and professional experience and may lead to a higher risk of developing anxiety and depression. The study of effective interventions for DD requires the integration of behavioural training with non-invasive brain stimulation techniques, which may have beneficial effects on the functionality of the brain networks for reading. During the first year of the NeOsReDy project, we carried out some pilot studies: in the first place, we developed a reading acceleration training for the adult population, testing its effect on reading speed. Moreover, we tested different transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS) protocols, identifying the most effective in ameliorating letters perception in the peripheral visual field. During the second year, we began testing the combination of such reading training with tACS in adults with DD. Specifically, we are studying the effect of this combined training on reading performance, reading-related cognitive skills, eye-movement patterns, and brain activity registered through electroencephalography (EEG). Preliminary results show that tACS application during the training is associated with a larger increase in reading speed, with an increased oculo-motor efficiency during visual scanning of the reading material, and with positive effects on memory and visual-spatial skills involved in reading.
These preliminary results pave the way for the future possible introduction of the combination of visual trainings and neuromodulation in the clinical practice of DD treatment.
Website of the research team: https://www.bdaclab.com/partecipa-alle-nostre-ricerche