How attention and goals affect memory in aging individuals

Effects of attention and goal-state lapses on memory in healthy and pathological aging

NIH-funded research Stanford University · NIH-10788359

This study is looking at how focusing our attention and setting goals can affect memory, especially in older adults and those with Alzheimer's, to find ways to help improve memory as we age.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionStanford University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Stanford, United States)
Project IDNIH-10788359 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how changes in attention and goal-setting impact memory in both healthy and aging individuals. By using advanced techniques like EEG and fMRI, the study aims to understand how these factors contribute to memory decline associated with aging and Alzheimer's disease. Participants will engage in tasks designed to measure their attention and memory performance, allowing researchers to analyze the neural mechanisms involved. The goal is to identify specific patterns that could help improve memory function in older adults.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are healthy older adults aged 65-79 and younger adults aged 18-30.

Not a fit: Patients with diagnosed Alzheimer's disease or significant cognitive impairment may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for enhancing memory and cognitive function in older adults.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the relationship between attention and memory in aging, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Stanford, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-14 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.