How changes in memory affect false memories in older adults
Official title: The contribution of semantic bias to false memory in healthy aging
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-10915448 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how older adults might start remembering ideas instead of specific events, which could lead to more mix-ups in their memories, and it aims to find ways to help improve memory for those who are noticing changes as they age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | August 14, 2023 |
| Project end | August 13, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $39,314 |
| NIH project number | 5F31AG081045-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10915448 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who are experiencing memory concerns but are otherwise healthy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with significant cognitive impairments or diagnosed dementia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how older adults' shift from remembering specific events to focusing on concepts may lead to an increase in false memories. By using behavioral tests and neuroimaging techniques, the study aims to understand the mechanisms behind false memories and how they relate to cognitive aging. The goal is to identify factors that contribute to memory inaccuracies, which could help improve the quality of life for older adults experiencing memory concerns. Participants will engage in tasks designed to assess their memory performance and brain activity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to strategies that help older adults maintain accurate memories and improve their overall cognitive health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding memory processes in aging, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Moore, Isabelle Lorraine — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Moore, Isabelle Lorraine
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
MyGoals for Healthy Aging among people at risk for Alzheimer’s dementia
A multi-center trial tests whether a combined program addressing poverty-related stress and executive function can slow aging and reduce risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease in adults.
-
Healthy aging in Black adults and its links to dementia risk
This grant follows a large group of Black adults to understand how aging, brain health, and life experiences influence Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
-
How early-life spending shape aging and dementia risk later in life
A Stanford-led study looks at how state and county spending in childhood may influence midlife thinking skills and the risk of dementia in later life.
-
Costa Rica long-lived older adults follow-up (Wave 4)
We will re-contact Costa Rican adults aged 70 and older (and their spouses) to collect health, thinking, and blood information to find what helps people live longer and stay mentally sharp.
-
Mapping tiny blood vessels in the brain's memory area and how they relate to Alzheimer's changes
Researchers are using ultra-high-resolution brain scans and tissue staining to map tiny blood vessels in the entorhinal cortex to learn how those patterns relate to Alzheimer's disease.
-
The chemical language of human gut bacteria and aging
A Duke University study will look at how healthy aging is linked to molecules produced by gut bacteria, with a focus on people who might be at risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
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.