Neurophysiology and Neuromodulation
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Neurophysiology and Neuromodulation
The CIEN Neurophysiology and Neuromodulation Platform, created at the end of 2025 and scheduled for consolidation in 2026, is dedicated to the advanced study of brain function and the development of non-pharmacological interventions in ageing and neurodegenerative diseases.
Its mission is to measure and modulate brain activity in a non-invasive manner, allowing for a better understanding of how it changes with age, identifying early signs of deterioration and exploring new therapeutic strategies that improve the quality of life of people affected by neurodegenerative diseases.
Its current and future technological capabilities include:
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) with neuronavigation and electromyographic (EMG) recordings for the assessment of corticospinal, intracortical and sensorimotor excitability
- TMS-compatible electroencephalography (EEG)
- Portable EEG systems for sleep assessment in ecological conditions
- Advanced brain signal analysis tools
- Repetitive TMS for neuromodulation
- Transcranial static magnetic field stimulation (tSMS)
- Grand piano for musical stimulation
The platform is currently in the consolidation phase, with the gradual expansion of specialised equipment and the hiring of researchers and technical staff.
Doctor of Bioengineering, IP and head of the platform
Lines of research
The platform's scientific activity is organised around three main areas:
- 1. Neurophysiology of ageing and neurodegenerative diseases Study of brain excitability and connectivity in older people, patients with cognitive impairment, and patients with neurodegenerative diseases, to understand how brain function is altered and to search for early markers of disease.
- 2. Neuromodulation as a therapeutic intervention Development and implementation of non-invasive brain stimulation protocols using repetitive TMS or tSMS to impact patients' functional status, sleep quality, lucidity, and cognitive and emotional well-being.
- 3. Interventions through musical stimulation Implementation of music-based group programmes to stimulate cognitive, emotional, and social processes, beginning with healthy individuals and extending to residents of the Reina Sofia Foundation Alzheimer Centre.