How memory affects decision-making as we age
Official title: Memory guided planning across the lifespan
Funded at University of California-Irvine · NIH-11133702 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how memory affects the choices we make as we get older, especially for those with Alzheimer’s and similar conditions, to better understand how different types of memory influence our decisions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $749,108 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG088306-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11133702 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include older adults, especially those experiencing memory decline or diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger and do not exhibit any memory impairments may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how memory influences decision-making across different ages, particularly focusing on older adults. It aims to understand the relationship between memory precision and the ability to make context-specific decisions, which can be impaired in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. By employing a combination of computational models and neurobiological methods, the study will explore how different types of memory, such as item and context memory, affect choices. Participants will engage in tasks designed to assess their memory and decision-making capabilities, providing insights into the cognitive processes involved.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for enhancing decision-making abilities in older adults, particularly those affected by memory-related conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the links between memory and decision-making, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bornstein, Aaron Michael — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Bornstein, Aaron Michael
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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.