A Multiscale Approach to Characterizing Asymmetries of Cortical Shape in the Human Brain

The human brain is divided into left and right hemispheres which show asymmetries in structure and function. This thesis developed state-of-the-art methods to extract a highly individualized and robust brain asymmetry feature based on the shape of the two hemispheres. This brain shape asymmetry can be used to identify individuals, much like a neuro-fingerprint. It is related to cognitive abilities, driven by environmental rather than genetic influences, and is disrupted in people with schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s disease.