Rescuing Visual Perception in Aging by Tuning Brain Oscillations
Official title: Rescuing Visual Perception in Aging Adults by Restructuring the Alpha-Gamma Neural Code
Funded at Boston University (Charles River Campus) · NIH-11415598 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study exploring how changes in brain rhythms might improve vision in older adults, including those with or at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University (Charles River Campus) NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2025 |
| Project end | August 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $343,350 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG090379-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11415598 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults aged 21 and older, including individuals at risk for or diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias.
✕Less likely to help
Some participants may not experience noticeable improvements in vision.
What this research studies
This project looks at how aging and Alzheimer’s-related changes affect basic vision like contrast and depth perception. Researchers will examine how alpha and gamma brain waves interact and whether adjusting this neural code can improve visual processing. The study will use neurocomputational models and noninvasive techniques to test ideas about improving perception in older adults. If successful, this work could lead to new ways to support daily activities that depend on seeing clearly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If the approach succeeds, older adults could experience better everyday vision and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work suggests brain oscillations relate to perception, but this specific alpha–gamma approach in aging/AD is exploratory.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University (Charles River Campus)
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Reinhart, Robert — Boston University (Charles River Campus)
- Study coordinator: Reinhart, Robert
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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.