Understanding how learning affects the human hippocampus using advanced MRI techniques
Official title: Revealing the Functional and Microstructural Response of Human Hippocampus to Spatial Learning with High-Gradient Strength Diffusion MRI
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11031382 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how learning new information about places affects a part of the brain called the hippocampus, and it's for anyone interested in understanding how our memory works and how it might relate to conditions like Alzheimer's and dementia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | February 10, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $163,361 |
| NIH project number | 5K99NS132984-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11031382 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are healthy adults interested in understanding memory processes and those at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with severe cognitive impairment or advanced Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the hippocampus, a critical brain region for memory, changes when we learn new spatial information. Using advanced diffusion MRI technology, the study aims to identify the microstructural changes in the hippocampus that occur during learning. By comparing these changes in healthy individuals, the research seeks to enhance our understanding of memory processes and the brain's ability to adapt. This could lead to better insights into conditions like Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could improve our understanding of memory formation and potentially lead to new treatments for memory-related disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies using diffusion MRI in healthy individuals have shown promising results in understanding brain changes during learning, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ramos Llorden, Gabriel — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Ramos Llorden, Gabriel
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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.