How the hippocampus helps memory and finding our way
A Control Theoretic Approach to Addressing Hippocampal Function
This project explores how brain circuits in the hippocampus support memory and navigation, with the goal of helping people affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11237577 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my perspective as a patient, researchers are studying the hippocampus—the part of the brain important for memories and navigation—by looking at how cells called place cells update an internal map of location. They use controlled experiments (including virtual-reality tasks) and animal models to record neural activity while the animal moves and sees landmarks. The team combines those recordings with computational control‑theory and attractor-network models to understand how sensory inputs recalibrate the brain’s internal position signals. Insights from these basic experiments are intended to point toward mechanisms that break down in Alzheimer’s disease and could guide future patient-focused work.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with early Alzheimer’s disease or mild cognitive impairment would be the most relevant group for follow‑on human studies informed by this work.
Not a fit: Because this project is mainly basic lab and animal research, many patients—especially those with advanced illness—are unlikely to receive direct benefit from the current experiments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal brain mechanisms that lead to new ways to diagnose or treat memory and navigation problems in Alzheimer’s disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have successfully mapped hippocampal place cells and navigation circuits in animals, but applying control‑theory to path integration recalibration is a newer and less tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cowan, Noah John — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Cowan, Noah John
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.