Recovering lost memories after repeated head impacts
Recovering amnestic memories from the repeat head impact brain
They are trying to restore forgotten memories by reactivating memory-storing brain cells in people who have chronic memory problems after repeated head impacts, such as some athletes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgetown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11159402 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work uses mice to model repeated head impacts like those seen in contact sports and to study how those hits weaken the brain connections that store memories. Researchers found that many small impacts cause a long-lasting ‘synaptic dampening’ in the hippocampus and are comparing that effect to a single severe head injury. In the lab they will try ways to reverse the synaptic dysfunction and directly activate memory-storing neurons (engrams) to see if a forgotten memory can be reawakened. The goal is to translate what is learned in animals into ideas for future treatments for people with chronic memory loss after repeated head impacts.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Most relevant to people with a history of repeated head impacts (for example contact-sport athletes or military veterans) who have ongoing memory problems, and potentially to those with early Alzheimer-type memory loss.
Not a fit: People with advanced neurodegenerative disease or memory loss from unrelated medical causes may be unlikely to benefit from the approaches tested here.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to treatments that restore lost memories or improve memory function in people with chronic head-impact–related memory problems.
How similar studies have performed: Related lab studies in animals have shown memory recovery by activating engram cells, but these approaches remain largely untested in people.
Where this research is happening
Washington, United States
- Georgetown University — Washington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Burns, Mark P — Georgetown University
- Study coordinator: Burns, Mark P
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.