Exploring the challenges of recognizing faces in people with developmental prosopagnosia

Beyond faces: Widening the lens on developmental prosopagnosia

NIH-funded research Dartmouth College · NIH-10636881

This study is looking at why some people have trouble recognizing faces, even though their brains and eyesight are fine, and it aims to find out if there are other thinking challenges that come with this condition, so we can better understand and help those affected.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDartmouth College NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Hanover, United States)
Project IDNIH-10636881 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates developmental prosopagnosia, a condition where individuals struggle to recognize faces despite having no brain damage or visual impairments. The study aims to identify other cognitive deficits that may accompany this condition, using behavioral tests and brain imaging techniques. By comparing a large group of individuals with prosopagnosia to control participants, the research seeks to uncover the underlying brain mechanisms and factors contributing to this condition. The findings could lead to a better understanding of the different types of prosopagnosia and improve support for affected individuals.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with developmental prosopagnosia who experience difficulties in recognizing faces.

Not a fit: Patients without developmental prosopagnosia or those with other unrelated visual impairments may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance diagnostic methods and therapeutic strategies for individuals with developmental prosopagnosia.

How similar studies have performed: While there has been limited research specifically on developmental prosopagnosia, similar studies on visual recognition deficits have shown promising results.

Where this research is happening

Hanover, 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 DiseaseDisorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.