Exploring how environmental support can improve memory in older adults
Official title: The use of high-resolution fMRI to elucidate the cognitive and neural mechanisms underlying the benefits of environmental support on associative memory in younger and older adults
Funded at Pennsylvania State University, the · NIH-11110473 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how things in our environment can help older adults remember information better by connecting different ideas, and it aims to find easy ways to boost memory without needing complicated techniques.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State University, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (University Park, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $553,778 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG086317-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11110473 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 65 and above who experience memory decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 65 or those without memory-related issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how environmental factors can enhance associative memory, which is the ability to connect different pieces of information, particularly in older adults. By using high-resolution fMRI, the study aims to understand the cognitive and neural mechanisms that support memory improvement through techniques like grouping information. The goal is to find effective, evidence-based methods that help older adults remember better without requiring them to engage in complex cognitive strategies. This could lead to practical applications that improve daily functioning for seniors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for enhancing memory in older adults, improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using environmental support to enhance memory, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Pennsylvania State University, the
University Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dennis, Nancy Anne — Pennsylvania State University, the
- Study coordinator: Dennis, Nancy Anne
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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.