How attention and memory change with age
Official title: Behavioral, Electrophysiological, and Pupil-based Rhythms of Attention and Memory in Young and Older Adults
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11117795 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how aging affects our attention and memory by comparing younger and older adults while they do memory tasks, using special tools to see how their brains and pupils respond.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $423,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG093259-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11117795 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include cognitively unimpaired older adults who are not diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and younger adults.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with diagnosed Alzheimer's disease or significant cognitive impairment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how attention and memory processes are affected by aging, focusing on the differences between young and older adults. It uses advanced techniques like electroencephalography (EEG) and pupillometry to measure brain activity and pupil responses while participants perform memory tasks. By examining a well-defined group of cognitively healthy older adults and younger individuals, the study aims to uncover the neurocognitive mechanisms that underlie changes in attention and memory as people age.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and potential interventions for age-related cognitive decline.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cognitive processes related to attention and memory, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wagner, Anthony D — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Wagner, Anthony D
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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.