Understanding how the brain makes quick visual decisions
Official title: Multiregional Neuronal Computations Underlying Rapid and Flexible Visual Categorical Decisions
Funded at University of Chicago · NIH-11070619 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the brain recognizes what we see and makes quick decisions, especially in people with Alzheimer's or attention deficit disorder, to help find better treatments for these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $688,882 |
| NIH project number | 1R01EY037119-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11070619 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or attention deficit disorder, particularly those experiencing difficulties with visual recognition and decision-making.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with purely physical health issues unrelated to cognitive function may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the brain's ability to recognize and make decisions based on visual information, particularly how this process is affected by conditions like Alzheimer's disease and attention deficit disorder. By recording the activity of large groups of neurons in key brain regions during visual tasks, the study aims to uncover the neuronal computations that facilitate rapid decision-making. The research combines experimental techniques with theoretical modeling to explore how different brain areas interact during these processes. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to improved treatments for cognitive impairments associated with these conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for cognitive impairments in conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding neuronal computations in decision-making, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Freedman, David J — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Freedman, David J
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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.