Investigating how brain rhythms affect working memory
Official title: State-dependent modulation of interactions of theta and gamma rhythms in working memory
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10740352 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a gentle brain stimulation technique to see if it can help improve working memory for people with neuropsychiatric disorders while they do memory tasks.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2023 |
| Project end | August 14, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $459,250 |
| NIH project number | 1R21MH131878-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10740352 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who experience cognitive difficulties or have been diagnosed with neuropsychiatric disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with severe neurological conditions or those who are not able to participate in cognitive tasks may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the use of transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), a noninvasive technique that modulates brain activity, to improve working memory. By targeting specific brain rhythms, the study aims to enhance cognitive functions that are often impaired in neuropsychiatric disorders. Participants will undergo stimulation while performing memory tasks, allowing researchers to assess how different brain states influence the effectiveness of the treatment. The study will utilize advanced EEG technology to monitor brain activity and measure the impact of the stimulation on memory performance.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new noninvasive treatments for cognitive deficits associated with various neuropsychiatric conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results using similar neuromodulation techniques to enhance cognitive functions, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Eryilmaz, H Hamdi — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Eryilmaz, H Hamdi
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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.