Understanding memory in the brain using deep brain stimulation
Using deep brain stimulation of the parietal cortex to investigate the electrophysiology of human episodic memory
This project aims to understand how our brains form and recall memories, especially in areas affected by conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11127695 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our brains have special areas, like the posterior cingulate cortex, that are vital for remembering past events and experiences. We know these areas are important from animal studies and brain imaging, but we need to learn more about how they work at a very detailed level in humans. This project will use advanced techniques, including microelectrode recordings during brain surgery, to observe brain activity directly. We will look for specific types of brain cells that help us keep track of time and organize our memories, and also see how a medication that affects memory influences brain activity in these areas.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants might be individuals undergoing brain surgery for other conditions who could have temporary electrodes placed to record brain activity, especially those with memory concerns related to Alzheimer's disease.
Not a fit: Patients not undergoing brain surgery or those without memory-related conditions would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could provide crucial insights into how memory works and what goes wrong in memory disorders like Alzheimer's, potentially leading to new treatments.
How similar studies have performed: While direct brain recordings in humans are rare, previous studies using animal models, imaging, and brain stimulation have highlighted the importance of these brain regions for memory.
Where this research is happening
Dallas, United States
- Ut Southwestern Medical Center — Dallas, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lega, Bradley C — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Lega, Bradley C
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 below.