How the hippocampus builds internal maps of space
Dissecting the functional organization of local hippocampal circuits underlying spatial representations
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · YALE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11304524
Researchers at Yale will use advanced brain recording and imaging methods to learn how hippocampus cells form the spatial maps that help make and recall memories, with implications for Alzheimer’s disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | YALE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW HAVEN, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11304524 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
The team will study how groups of neurons in the hippocampus create and share "place" information that supports everyday memories. They will use high-resolution imaging, electrical recordings, anatomical tracing, and optogenetic control in laboratory models to map how local circuits are organized and work together. Some experiments will model changes similar to those seen in Alzheimer’s disease to see how circuit dysfunction leads to memory loss. The goal is to produce a detailed circuit-level picture that could point to ways to protect or restore memory-related brain function.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease or mild cognitive impairment who are interested in supporting research on memory circuits could be candidates for future related studies.
Not a fit: Patients with unrelated neurological conditions or with very advanced dementia are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal specific hippocampal circuit targets that lead to new strategies to preserve or restore memory in people with Alzheimer’s disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies have successfully mapped place cells and used optogenetics to change memory-related activity, but applying these findings to human treatments is still in early stages.
Where this research is happening
NEW HAVEN, UNITED STATES
- YALE UNIVERSITY — NEW HAVEN, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: GEILLER, TRISTAN — YALE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: GEILLER, TRISTAN
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.
Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome, Alzheimer's Disease