How the cerebellum affects thinking in people with psychosis
Official title: Cerebellar Modulation of Cognition in Psychosis
Funded at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center · NIH-11002325 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a part of the brain called the cerebellum affects thinking problems in people with conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and it hopes to find ways to improve these thinking skills using safe brain stimulation techniques.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | January 7, 2019 |
| Project end | October 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $693,159 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH116170-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-11002325 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or related psychotic disorders who experience significant cognitive impairments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of psychotic disorders or those who do not experience cognitive deficits may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the cerebellum in cognitive impairments associated with psychotic disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. By using advanced neuroimaging techniques and non-invasive neuromodulation methods such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), the study aims to identify and modify specific brain circuits linked to cognitive function. The goal is to establish a causal relationship between these circuits and cognitive changes, ultimately leading to targeted interventions for cognitive deficits in affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve cognitive function and quality of life for patients with psychotic disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using neuromodulation techniques to influence brain circuits, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brady, Roscoe O. — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Brady, Roscoe O.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Social Cognition Measures for People at Risk of Psychosis
A study to find and test the best mental tasks that measure social thinking for people who might develop psychosis.
-
Using cerebellum-targeted brain stimulation to improve thinking in psychosis
Testing whether noninvasive brain stimulation of the cerebellum can help thinking and memory in people with psychotic illnesses like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.
-
Social thinking tests for teens and young adults at risk for psychosis
This project is creating and checking social thinking tests for teens and young adults who show early signs of psychosis.
-
Evaluating social understanding in young people at risk for psychosis
This study is looking at how young people who might be at risk for psychosis understand social situations, so we can create better tools to help track their social skills over time and improve their care.
-
Improving cognition and motivation in early psychosis treatment
This study is looking to improve support for people dealing with early psychosis by using special care teams in Minnesota, focusing on personalized feedback and a mobile program to help with thinking and motivation over 12 weeks.
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Understanding how brain function affects social thinking in early psychosis
This study is looking at how the brain works when it comes to understanding other people's thoughts and feelings in people who are having their first episode of psychosis, and it hopes to find ways to help improve social skills and quality of life for them.
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.