Understanding how epilepsy affects memory formation in the brain
Official title: Hippocampal-cortical mechanisms of altered memory consolidation in epilepsy
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11033930 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study, led by Dr. Sharon Chiang, is looking into how temporal lobe epilepsy affects memory and aims to find ways to help improve memory for people living with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $225,400 |
| NIH project number | 1K08NS140631-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11033930 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with temporal lobe epilepsy who experience memory dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with epilepsy who do not experience memory issues or those with other types of epilepsy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which epilepsy, particularly temporal lobe epilepsy, disrupts memory consolidation in the brain. The principal investigator, Dr. Sharon Chiang, aims to explore the neuronal circuits involved in memory processing and how they may be altered in individuals with epilepsy. By studying the hippocampus and its interactions with the cortex, the research seeks to identify potential interventions that could improve memory function in affected patients. The project will involve both experimental and analytical approaches to understand these complex brain processes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance memory function for individuals suffering from epilepsy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding memory mechanisms in epilepsy, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chiang, Sharon — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Chiang, Sharon
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Scaling Up Task-Shifted Epilepsy Care for Children in Africa
A study to help children with epilepsy in Africa get diagnosed and receive seizure care through trained community health workers.
-
Closed-loop control of interneuron timing to influence seizures and memory in epilepsy
A study tests a brain-quieting system that uses light to precisely time certain brain cells in epilepsy-prone mice to see if this can lessen seizures and improve memory.
-
Epilepsy Data Ecosystem: A Big-Data Sharing Platform for Better Care
A national effort to collect and share large, multi‑modal brain data from people with medication‑resistant epilepsy to speed discoveries and improve treatment options.
-
Exploring epilepsy genes in zebrafish to understand human brain seizures
A study in zebrafish will model human epilepsy genes to help explain how certain brain mutations contribute to seizures.
-
New MRI tools to better plan pediatric epilepsy surgery
A new MRI-based approach helps doctors decide the best time to surgically remove brain tissue in children with difficult-to-control seizures.
-
Sahel Epilepsy Study: finding patterns in epilepsy in rural Africa and its links to genes
A plan to study epilepsy in rural Nigeria to discover how common it is, what factors affect risk, and how genetics may influence it, with results that could improve care for people with epilepsy.
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.