Disturbances in the hypothalamus communication pathways with other regions in the brain and the periphery may represent a potential link between metabolic and cognitive health. The current project evaluates whether enhancing synaptic plasticity of this pathway can improve weight management, insulin sensitivity, and cognitive functions. In recent studies, we were able to show that the human brain is sensitive to insulin with favorable effects on peripheral metabolism and cognition. These brain regions encompass the hypothalamus and its connections to the striatum and prefrontal cortex. We want to investigate whether it is possible to enhance neuroplasticity of insulin-responsive brain regions to suppress the weight gain trajectory and improve dopamine-dependent cognitive functions in people with a high risk to develop type 2 diabetes. For this purpose, neuroimaging tools using high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) will be implemented to assess synaptic plasticity of a neural network essential for metabolic and cognitive health.
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Change in neuroplasticity
Timeframe: 20 minutes directly before and after tDCS stimulation
Change in functional connectivity
Timeframe: 20 minutes directly before and after tDCS stimulation
Change in eating behavior
Timeframe: 1 hour after tDCS stimulation
Change in dopamine-dependent cognitive function
Timeframe: 20 minutes after tDCS stimulation