Center for Applied Neuroscience

ACESO

The “Treatment of Awareness Deficits in Acquired Brain Injuries to improve Patient Outcomes” (ACESO) is a two-year project, funded by the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF). Acquired brain injury (ABI) is a global epidemic and carries chronic and progressive neuropsychological effects, including self-awareness deficits (SA). Low SA can significantly interfere with treatment adherence and medical compliance affecting rehabilitation success. Therefore, people with chronic ABI are faced with the progressive effects of the injury, leading to social isolation and unemployment. ACESO will produce innovative research in ABI, via the use of cutting-edge technologies and conduct treatment to advance the state-of-the-art with new neurorehabilitation methodologies. Specifically, this project will outline the neurophysiological substrates and associated biomarkers of chronic SA deficits using MRI and functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) methodologies. Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) and Social Communication Training will be used as interventions to improve SA deficits. Finally, treatment effectiveness will be recorded via neuropsychological measures and will be correlated with potential neurophysiological changes as measured by fNIRS biomarkers. The Center for Applied Neuroscience, University of Cyprus led by Professor Fofi Constantinidou is the host of the project. The consortium of the project consists of the Melathron Agoniston tis EOKA, the Institute of Neurology and Genetics and the Cyprus Stroke Association.

The Project is co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and the Republic of Cyprus through the Research and Innovation Foundation.