Sotero-Diaz, Roberto CarlosSánchez Rodríguez, Lázaro Miguel2018-01-052018-01-052017-12-20Sánchez Rodríguez, L. M. (2017). Optimal control of nonlinear networks dynamics with applications to brain stimulation in Alzheimer's disease (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca.http://hdl.handle.net/1880/106238Brain stimulation can modulate the activity of neural circuits impaired by Alzheimer’s disease (AD), having promising clinical benefit. However, all individuals with the same condition currently receive identical brain stimulation, with limited theoretical basis for this generic approach. In this study, we introduce a control theory framework for obtaining exogenous signals that revert pathological electroencephalographic activity in AD at a minimal energetic cost, while reflecting patients’ biological variability. By considering nonlinearities in our model, we identified regions for which control inputs fail to correct abnormal activity. We also found that limbic system and basal ganglia structures constitute the top target locations for stimulation in AD. Patients with highly integrated anatomical networks are the most suitable candidates for the propagation of stimuli and consequent success on the control task. Other diseases associated with alterations in brain dynamics and the self-control mechanisms of the brain can be addressed through our framework.enUniversity of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.optimal controlnetwork theoryAlzheimer's diseasebrain stimulationnonlinear dynamicsNeuroscienceEngineeringEngineering--Biomedicalmaster thesis10.11575/PRISM/5234