Understanding how memory affects how we see and navigate our surroundings
Official title: How Visuospatial Memory Shapes Perception of Real-World Environments
Funded at Dartmouth College · NIH-11059879 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our memories of places help us see and move around in those environments, especially for people with Alzheimer's and dementia, using fun tools like virtual reality and eye-tracking to learn more about how our brains work.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dartmouth College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hanover, United States) |
| Project start | April 7, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $348,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH130529-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11059879 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing cognitive decline, such as those with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with intact cognitive function and no memory-related issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between visuospatial memory and scene perception, focusing on how our memory of environments influences our ability to perceive and navigate them. Using advanced techniques like virtual reality, eye-tracking, and fMRI, participants will engage with immersive environments to help researchers understand the neural mechanisms behind memory-guided visual behavior. The goal is to uncover how our stored knowledge of the world impacts our perception during everyday experiences, particularly in relation to conditions like Alzheimer's and dementia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for enhancing memory and navigation skills in patients with cognitive impairments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding memory and perception, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Dartmouth College
Hanover, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Robertson, Caroline Elizabeth — Dartmouth College
- Study coordinator: Robertson, Caroline Elizabeth
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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.