How alpha brain waves relate to attention using combined EEG and MRI
Understanding the neurocognitive mechanisms of alpha-band brain oscillations using concurrent EEG-fMRI recordings
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES · NIH-11164761
This project will measure how alpha brain waves relate to attention and alertness in people using simultaneous EEG and MRI scans.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11164761 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you take part, researchers will record your brain signals with EEG while you have MRI scans at two different strengths to see both broad brain networks and fine layers of the visual cortex. You will do attention tasks while the team looks at when alpha waves go up or down and how those changes line up with brain activity and connections. The team will use causal modeling to try to tell whether alpha changes reflect suppression, heightened alertness, local processing, or signals coming from other brain areas. The goal is to make the meaning of alpha waves clearer so they can be interpreted better in conditions like ADHD.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are people with attention difficulties or ADHD who can tolerate EEG and MRI sessions and perform attention tasks during scanning.
Not a fit: People who cannot undergo MRI (for example due to metal implants, severe claustrophobia, or inability to remain still) are unlikely to participate or benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could make alpha brain-wave measures a clearer biomarker for diagnosing or tracking attention problems and guiding treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have linked alpha waves to attention, but combining simultaneous EEG with high-field 7T MRI to probe laminar activation and causal connectivity is a newer, more detailed approach.
Where this research is happening
LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES — LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LENARTOWICZ, AGATHA — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES
- Study coordinator: LENARTOWICZ, AGATHA
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 below.
Conditions: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder