Understanding memory problems in schizophrenia and their brain connections
Official title: Mapping relational memory deficits and their hippocampal correlates in schizophrenia
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-10987207 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how memory problems in people with schizophrenia are connected to changes in a part of the brain called the hippocampus, and it aims to find specific types of memory that can help track how the illness is progressing, so that better treatments can be developed.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2024 |
| Project end | May 14, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $481,250 |
| NIH project number | 1R21MH134061-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10987207 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia who experience memory deficits.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of schizophrenia or those with other unrelated cognitive disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how memory deficits in individuals with schizophrenia relate to changes in the hippocampus, a critical brain region for memory. By examining the relationship between cognitive markers and brain pathology, the study aims to identify specific memory types that can indicate the progression of schizophrenia. Patients will undergo neuropsychological tests to assess their memory capabilities, which will be correlated with brain imaging to understand the underlying neural changes. The goal is to develop reliable markers that can help monitor the illness and guide treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better monitoring and treatment strategies for patients with schizophrenia, improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in linking cognitive markers to brain pathology in other psychiatric disorders, suggesting potential success for this approach in schizophrenia.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Avery, Suzanne N — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Avery, Suzanne N
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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.