Understanding how a specific brain area affects attention
Investigation of Locus Coeruleus Function in Sustained Attention
This study is looking at a tiny part of the brain that helps control attention and thinking, and it's inviting people with ADHD or schizophrenia to take part in brain scans and attention tasks to learn more about how this area affects their daily lives.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10693968 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the locus coeruleus, a small brain structure, in regulating attention and cognitive functions. By developing new methods to measure its activity using advanced imaging techniques, the study aims to better understand how this area influences mental health disorders like ADHD and schizophrenia. Patients may participate in assessments that involve brain imaging and attention tasks to help validate these new measurement techniques. The ultimate goal is to improve our understanding of attention-related issues and their impact on daily life.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals diagnosed with attention-related disorders such as ADHD or schizophrenia.
Not a fit: Patients without attention-related disorders or those who do not experience cognitive challenges may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better diagnostic tools and treatments for attention-related mental health disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using advanced imaging techniques to study brain function, but this specific approach to measuring locus coeruleus activity is novel.
Where this research is happening
Davis, United States
- University of California at Davis — Davis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schweitzer, Julie B. — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Schweitzer, Julie B.
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.