Understanding how the brain maintains information in working memory
Official title: Neural Basis of Human Working Memory
Funded at Vanderbilt University · NIH-11096255 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our brains keep track of information for short periods, using special electrodes in patients who are getting ready for epilepsy surgery, to help us better understand how different parts of the brain work together for memory tasks.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 15, 2025 |
| Project end | April 14, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $470,996 |
| NIH project number | 1R21MH139624-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11096255 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with epilepsy who are undergoing surgery and have the opportunity for intracranial electrode implantation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without epilepsy or those who do not have cognitive impairments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the neural mechanisms behind working memory, particularly how the brain retains information over short periods. By using intracranial electrodes implanted in patients prior to epilepsy surgery, the study will record brain activity while patients perform memory tasks. The goal is to determine how different areas of the brain, especially the prefrontal cortex, contribute to working memory and to test various theories about its functioning. This research aims to clarify conflicting findings from previous studies and enhance our understanding of cognitive processes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for cognitive impairments associated with mental illnesses and neurological conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding working memory through similar neurophysiological approaches in animal models, but this study aims to provide novel insights in human subjects.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Constantinidis, Christos — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Constantinidis, Christos
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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.