Understanding how motivation affects cognitive control in people with Alzheimer's and other disorders

Neural and computational mechanisms of motivation and cognitive control

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA BERKELEY · NIH-11003676

This study is looking at how motivation affects decision-making and mental control in people with Alzheimer's and other mental health conditions, to better understand what might make it harder for them to stay focused and make choices in everyday life.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA BERKELEY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BERKELEY, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11003676 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the relationship between motivation and cognitive control, particularly in individuals with Alzheimer's disease and other psychiatric disorders. It aims to uncover the neurocomputational mechanisms that contribute to motivational impairments, which can significantly affect daily functioning. By developing a computational model, the study explores how people make decisions regarding cognitive control based on the perceived costs and benefits. The research focuses on the role of the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex in integrating incentive information to enhance cognitive control.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or other related cognitive impairments.

Not a fit: Patients who are younger than 21 or do not have cognitive impairments related to Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for enhancing motivation and cognitive control in patients with Alzheimer's and related disorders.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the neurocomputational mechanisms of motivation and cognitive control, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

BERKELEY, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome, Alzheimer's Disease

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.