Controlling brain rhythms to improve attention and decision making

Modulating attention and decision making with closed loop control of low frequency oscillations

NIH-funded research University of Minnesota · NIH-10864791

This study is looking at how certain brain waves can influence our focus and decision-making, and it uses a special technique to see if changing these waves can help improve thinking skills, which could lead to new treatments for attention-related issues.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Minnesota NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Minneapolis, United States)
Project IDNIH-10864791 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how low-frequency brain activity, specifically alpha rhythms, affects attention and decision-making processes. By using closed-loop electrical stimulation, the study aims to directly modulate these brain rhythms and observe their impact on cognitive performance in non-human primates. The findings could provide insights into the mechanisms of attention and offer new therapeutic strategies for mental health disorders related to attention deficits.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing attention deficits or related psychiatric disorders.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to attention or cognitive processing may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments for patients with attention-related mental health disorders.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using brain modulation techniques to enhance cognitive functions, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Where this research is happening

Minneapolis, 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.
Conditions Mental health disordersPsychiatric DiseasePsychiatric Disorderpsychological disorderMental disorders
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.