Neural Network Model for the Role of Dopamine on Action Initiation and Its Realization on FPGA

Abstract

In order to understand how the neural structures involved in cognitive functions work, various models are developed at various levels. These models help scientists to understand the cognition, give perspective to the current research of neurological diseases and behavioral disorders; besides it become inspirational for designing smart systems. This study focuses on the basal ganglia, which is involved in multiple cognitive processes and can cause neurological dysfunctions in the case of a structural and/or physiological anomaly. A computational model is proposed and mathematical analysis is conducted, aiming to mimic the action initiation process in basal ganglia; in addition to the hardware realization. Different behaviors of the model depending on a parameter related to dopamine are investigated and associated with various neurodegenerative diseases.