Understanding how places help us remember events

Tracking the dynamics of how schemas scaffold recall

NIH-funded research Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10702052

This study is looking at how the places we are in can help us remember things better, especially for older adults and those with Alzheimer's, using cool technology like virtual reality and brain scans to see how different environments can boost memory.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionJohns Hopkins University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Baltimore, United States)
Project IDNIH-10702052 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how the locations where we experience events can trigger our memories, especially as we age or in conditions like Alzheimer's disease. By using advanced technologies such as virtual reality, electroencephalography (EEG), and functional MRI (fMRI), the study aims to explore the relationship between spatial contexts and memory recall. The goal is to develop a deeper understanding of how these contexts can support memory formation and retrieval, which could lead to new treatments for memory impairments. Participants may engage in tasks that simulate real-life experiences to see how different environments affect their memory.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include older adults and individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias.

Not a fit: Patients with no cognitive impairment or those not experiencing memory issues may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative strategies for improving memory recall in patients with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in using spatial contexts to enhance memory recall, suggesting that this approach could be effective.

Where this research is happening

Baltimore, 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 2026-06-09 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.