Attention and short-term memory in schizophrenia

Cognitive Neuroscience of Attention and Working Memory in Schizophrenia

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE · NIH-11169936

This project looks at how attention and working memory work differently in adults with schizophrenia to pinpoint specific thinking skills that are affected.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11169936 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

You would take part in computer-based attention and short-term memory tests that compare performance to people without schizophrenia. The team will measure how memories drift over time and whether people with schizophrenia show overly narrow or intense focusing of attention. Researchers will combine behavioral tests with computational models and links to brain biology to try to explain these differences. The goal is to identify small, specific thinking processes that underlie broader cognitive problems.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Adults (age 21 and older) diagnosed with schizophrenia who can complete computer-based cognitive tests and are willing to visit the research site would be ideal candidates.

Not a fit: People without schizophrenia or individuals whose symptoms or disabilities prevent them from completing computer tasks may not directly benefit from participating.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could guide more targeted cognitive therapies or rehabilitation approaches tailored to the specific attention and memory problems people with schizophrenia experience.

How similar studies have performed: Previous work, including from this team, has found attention and working memory differences in schizophrenia and supports the "hyperfocusing" idea, but the exact neural mechanisms are still being worked out.

Where this research is happening

BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.