How age affects our memories of positive and negative events

Bringing positive and negative events to mind: Effects of age on emotional memory retrieval

['FUNDING_R01'] · BOSTON COLLEGE · NIH-10875598

This study looks at how people of different ages remember happy and sad memories, to see how these memories affect their feelings and choices, and it’s designed for anyone interested in understanding how our memories change as we get older.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorBOSTON COLLEGE (nih funded)
Locations1 site (CHESTNUT HILL, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10875598 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how people of different ages recall emotional memories, focusing on both positive and negative events. It aims to understand the differences in memory retrieval and the emotional details that individuals remember, which can influence their mental wellbeing and decision-making. The study will utilize advanced techniques like multivoxel pattern analysis to explore the neural representations of these memories. By examining how age impacts these processes, the research seeks to provide insights into cognitive and emotional functioning across the lifespan.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include adults aged 21 and older, particularly those aged 65 and above.

Not a fit: Patients who are younger than 21 years old may not receive benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of emotional memory, leading to improved mental health strategies for different age groups.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that age can influence emotional memory retrieval, suggesting that this study builds on established findings rather than exploring entirely novel territory.

Where this research is happening

CHESTNUT HILL, 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.