Diego Redolar Ripoll

Functional dissociation between dorsolateral and ventrolateral prefrontal cortex: decision making, theory of mind and emotional interference in working memory

Two main neural systems, each with different functions, are involved in cognitive control processes: a dorsal system, which includes the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, and a ventral system, which includes the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex. This project aims to examine the dissociation of these two systems through transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in order to characterize the neural bases of three processes linked with cognitive control:

- Emotional interference on working memory.

- Risk decision-making.

- Mind theory.

Use of non-invasive cerebral stimulation on the control of food intake in patients with obesity

This research line focuses on the application of a non-invasive brain stimulation technique, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), as a tool for modulating altered neurocognitive patterns in patients suffering from obesity. The aim is to foster self-control and reduce intake, allowing them to better keep to a diet, subsequently losing weight and able to maintain this loss in the medium and long term.

Stimulation and rehabilitation of cognitive, emotional and behavioural alterations in neurodegenerative diseases

This research line focuses on the therapy potential of non-invasive brain stimulation techniques as a new approach to improving cognitive, emotional and behavioural alterations in patients with Parkinson’s disease and Huntington’s disease. This research line explores the therapy potential of both transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), with the ultimate goal of improving patients’ quality of life.