How cholinergic stimulation affects visual attention and memory
Official title: Cholinergic influence on visual cognitive processing
Funded at Vanderbilt University · NIH-11049377 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how stimulating a specific part of the brain can help improve focus and memory, and it's being tested in monkeys to find out how it works, which could lead to better treatments for people with memory and attention problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $666,276 |
| NIH project number | 1R01EY036089-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11049377 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing cognitive deficits due to mental illnesses or neurological disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cognitive impairments not related to cholinergic dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how stimulating the Nucleus Basalis of Meynert, a key source of acetylcholine in the brain, can enhance visual attention and working memory. By using neurophysiological recordings in monkeys performing memory tasks, the study aims to understand the neuronal mechanisms that underlie improvements in cognitive performance. The approach focuses on how this stimulation affects neuronal activity in critical brain areas involved in attention and memory, potentially leading to better treatment options for cognitive impairments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved therapies for individuals suffering from cognitive impairments related to mental illnesses and neurological conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in enhancing cognitive function through cholinergic stimulation, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Constantinidis, Christos — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Constantinidis, Christos
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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.