Professor publishes study exploring brain function

Robert Reinhart, a Boston University assistant professor of psychological and brain sciences, might have identified a new way to treat mental illness using a noninvasive process that alternates brain frequencies and appears to control executive functions in the brain.

Reinhart, the author of the study which was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on Monday, said he wanted to explore the idea that synchronizing brain waves in two areas of the brain — the prefrontal cortex and lateral cortex — could drive learning and flexible behavior.

“What we asked is essentially could we co-opt the language of the brain with alternating currents,” Reinhart, who worked with a team of researchers for the study, said. “With alternating currents, like the ones found in wall sockets here in this country, you can change the brain frequencies. You can drive the brain if you alternate at that frequency. This is really useful in changing behavior-related cognition.”

Reinhart stressed that he wanted to establish a causal connection with his study, whereas past research in this area has only been correlative.

“We wanted to test that in this study in a way that is causal, the first that directly manipulated the crosstalk between these two brain regions — in a causal manner and not a correlative manner,” he explained.

Reinhart said his research team had two overarching goals: to expand the body of knowledge in the field and subsequently find techniques to better treat people with mental illnesses.

In discussing how he conducted this study during his first year of researching at BU, Reinhart praised the research opportunities available at the university, calling it a “world-class institution.”

“[BU] has the best facilities and a great community of scientists,” Reinhart added.

Donald O’Malley, a behavioral neuroscience professor at Northeastern University, wrote in an email that although Reinhart’s research presents intriguing concepts, further research is necessary to fully understand brain rhythms.

“Brain rhythms, in general, are poorly understood both in regards to their generation and what they are doing in a computational sense,” O’Malley wrote. “This is a very complex problem and it will take much time to understand how local neuronal circuits are affected by rhythms in their locale.”

O’Malley explained that further research is necessary to identify how this technique can provide long-term improvement in patients who suffer from mental health diseases like Alzheimer’s disease.

Several Boston University students said they hope Reinhart’s research can be a game-changer in terms of understanding and treating mental illnesses.

Jordon Fogel, a College of Arts and Sciences junior, said she thinks alternative treatment methods besides medication and therapy could be very valuable for those suffering from mental illness.

“I feel as though [for] a lot of people who suffer from anxiety and depression, pills are kind of pushed upon them,” Fogel said. “I’m not necessarily okay with therapy either, so I think taking a different approach to mental illness in general would be just beneficial.”

Jessica Zhang, a CAS freshman, voiced her concern over the high rates of mental illnesses in young people, especially college students.

“There are so many college students especially now dealing with depression and mental illnesses,” Zhang said. “This is causing them to commit suicide at a higher rate.”

Zhang also said thinks any new treatment methods or research is a step in the right direction.

Julia Zhu, a CAS sophomore, called on members of the BU community to continue mental illness research and educate others on the topic.  

“The first step is to just get some knowledge and information about the area,” Zhu said. “We have departments like the Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences that can spread awareness on topics like this and should.”