Understanding memory awareness issues in aging and Alzheimer's disease

Decoding neural systems underlying anosognosia for memory loss in aging and Alzheimer's disease

NIH-funded research Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-10665717

This study is looking at why some older adults, especially those with Alzheimer's, may not realize they have memory problems, and it will involve 150 participants to see how their brain activity relates to this lack of awareness.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBrigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10665717 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the loss of self-awareness regarding memory deficits in older adults, particularly those with Alzheimer's disease. It aims to uncover the neurobiological mechanisms behind this condition by examining brain activity and connectivity using advanced imaging techniques. The study will involve 150 older participants, ranging from those with normal cognition to those with mild cognitive impairment and mild Alzheimer's disease, to explore how brain networks related to self-awareness function. By linking memory self-awareness to brain imaging results, the research seeks to enhance understanding of this common symptom in Alzheimer's.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, particularly those experiencing memory loss or cognitive impairment, including those diagnosed with mild Alzheimer's disease.

Not a fit: Patients with severe Alzheimer's disease or other advanced cognitive impairments may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved early detection and intervention strategies for Alzheimer's disease by enhancing our understanding of memory self-awareness.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's, but this specific approach to studying anosognosia is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Boston, 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 dementia
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.