A brain-based model to explain thinking and memory changes in multiple sclerosis
Computational Model of Neurocognitive Impairment in Multiple Sclerosis
This project uses computer-based brain models to better understand thinking speed, decision-making, and memory changes in people with relapsing-remitting and progressive multiple sclerosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11310148 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would complete careful thinking tests and have brain scans while researchers use a mathematical diffusion model to separate different parts of thinking — how quickly you gather information, how you decide, and how you respond. The team will compare people with relapsing-remitting and progressive MS and update current tests that now focus mainly on processing speed. They will combine cognitive testing, imaging, and computational modeling to create clearer, biologically linked measures of cognition. The goal is to make cognitive testing in MS more accurate and tied to brain changes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with relapsing-remitting or progressive multiple sclerosis who notice problems with thinking, memory, or processing speed would be the best candidates.
Not a fit: People without MS or whose cognitive symptoms are due to other unrelated conditions (such as a recent stroke or major psychiatric illness) would not be expected to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could produce clearer, biologically grounded tests that distinguish true processing-speed problems from other cognitive issues and help guide better monitoring and treatment decisions.
How similar studies have performed: The diffusion model is well established in cognitive psychology, but applying it as a biologically informed framework for MS cognition is relatively new and not yet proven.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sumowski, James Francis — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Sumowski, James Francis
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.