How breathing-linked brain rhythms help memory
Dependence of memory on precisely coordinated oscillations
This project looks at whether breathing-related brain rhythms and internal memory rhythms work together to help memory in people with Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11321202 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will record breathing-linked brain activity and internal theta rhythms across memory-related brain areas to see how groups of neurons align with each rhythm during different memory steps. They will compare timing patterns across brain regions involved in memory and examine how those patterns change in Alzheimer's-related conditions. The work combines physiological recordings with analyses of neuronal timing to identify subpopulations of cells tied to each rhythm. The goal is to find precise coordination patterns that could be targeted by timing-based brain stimulation approaches.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment who are willing to take part in brain-recording or brain-stimulation research.
Not a fit: People without memory problems or those with medical conditions that prevent safe brain recordings or stimulation may not receive direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to improve memory by timing noninvasive or implanted brain stimulation with breathing and internal rhythms.
How similar studies have performed: Related animal studies and small human experiments suggest breathing and brain rhythms influence memory, but applying precise cross-region coordination to Alzheimer's is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Leutgeb, Stefan — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Leutgeb, Stefan
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.