PET Scan to Map the Areas of the Brain Involved in Planning

This protocol will attempt to determine the topographical distribution in the brain of the cognitive components of planning using the [150] water PET blood flow technique. We will administer perception, motor, simple decision, and planning tasks using the game of chess and the Tower of Hanoi Test as paradigms. Utilizing a "subtraction technique" we hope to identify those areas of cerebral cortex which are most activated by planning processes. It is predicted that the dorsolateral frontal areas will be most prominently activated. It is also predicted that the essential components of the planning process will be the same regardless of the type of plans being executed. The data we collect will be of value in determining 1) the neural representation of planning processes and 2) in guiding cognitive models of the planning system.

Normal Controls:

Males and female subjects from two age ranges: 18-30 and 50-65 years of age.

Individuals with a history of neurological or psychiatric disorder will not be included nor will individuals currently taking psychoactive medication.

Patients:

Patients with outstanding problems in planning.

Patients must have a diagnosed CNS disorder with lesion localization verified by MRI scanning available from the referring physician or completed at the NIH Clinical Center.

Patients with unilateral or bilateral lesions that meet the behavioral criteria for selection (planning disorder).

Patients will be medication free (or taking medication with no known central nervous system effects) and be able to understand instructions and task demands.