The role of novelty and surprise in learning for people with Alzheimer’s disease
Official title: The role of novelty and surprise in aversive conditioning
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-11617755 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study explores how surprising events affect memory and learning in people related to Alzheimer’s disease, using everyday tasks to see how the brain remembers new information.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $67,750 |
| NIH project number | 3R01NS129217-04S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11617755 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with a diagnosis or risk factors related to Alzheimer’s disease who can participate in memory tasks and simple experiments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced dementia or significant sensory impairment may have limited benefit or be unable to participate.
What this research studies
This project looks at how novelty and surprise influence memory in individuals connected to Alzheimer’s disease. It examines how unexpected events trigger brain chemicals that help form memories, and how distraction after a surprising moment can alter that process. Researchers will study brain responses and memory performance, focusing on whether rehearsal after surprises strengthens or weakens learning in people at risk for Alzheimer’s-related memory problems. The findings could point to ways to design memories-friendly activities for patients and caregivers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could inform cognitive approaches and daily activities that support memory in people with Alzheimer’s disease or related conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research in humans and animals suggests novelty enhances memory through rehearsal and neuromodulator release, supporting potential translational value.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wiltgen, Brian J — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Wiltgen, Brian J
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.