How our brain connects speaking and short-term memory
The overlap of speech production and verbal working memory
This project explores how our brain uses short-term memory when we speak, especially in busy environments, to understand if these two functions share brain areas.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11135510 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our brain needs to hold onto speech information briefly, known as verbal working memory, to express ideas in everyday conversation, particularly when plans change quickly in noisy settings. While older ideas suggested that this memory and speech production were separate in the brain, observations from stroke patients show that problems with speech often come with memory issues, suggesting they might be connected. This project proposes that verbal working memory is actually integrated with the speech planning system, sharing brain regions and functions. Researchers will work with neurosurgical patients who already have electrodes implanted directly in their brain for their medical care, allowing a very detailed look at brain activity during speech and memory tasks.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are neurosurgical patients who already have electrodes implanted in their brain as part of their medical care.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have brain electrodes implanted for clinical reasons would not be direct participants in this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding how speech and memory are linked could lead to better ways to help people with communication difficulties, especially after conditions like stroke.
How similar studies have performed: While previous models suggested separation, evidence from stroke patients points to an overlap, making this a novel approach to directly study their integration.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cogan, Gregory B — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Cogan, Gregory B
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.