Understanding how memory affects how we see and navigate our surroundings

How Visuospatial Memory Shapes Perception of Real-World Environments

NIH-funded research Dartmouth College · NIH-11059879

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 typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDartmouth College NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Hanover, United States)
Project IDNIH-11059879 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing cognitive decline, such as those with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia.

Not a fit: Patients with intact cognitive function and no memory-related issues may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding memory and perception, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Hanover, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Alzheimer disease dementiaAlzheimer syndromeAlzheimer's Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.