Using brain stimulation to improve cognitive function in schizophrenia
Official title: Theta burst modulation of hippocampal-cortical rhythms in schizophrenia
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11113636 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether a special type of brain stimulation called theta burst stimulation can help improve thinking and memory problems in people with schizophrenia, like disorganized thoughts and hallucinations, by targeting important areas of the brain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $160,272 |
| NIH project number | 1K99MH139907-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11113636 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia who experience cognitive deficits.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with schizophrenia who do not exhibit cognitive deficits may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how theta burst stimulation (TBS), a form of brain stimulation, can enhance the functioning of the hippocampus, which is crucial for cognitive processes. By targeting specific areas of the brain, the study aims to understand if TBS can improve cognitive deficits associated with schizophrenia, such as disorganized thought and hallucinations. The approach combines both invasive and non-invasive techniques to assess changes in brain activity and cognitive performance in patients with schizophrenia. Participants may undergo brain stimulation sessions while their brain activity is monitored to evaluate the effects on cognitive function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that significantly improve cognitive function and quality of life for individuals with schizophrenia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with brain stimulation techniques in improving cognitive function in various neurological conditions, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Solomon, Ethan — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Solomon, Ethan
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding social disconnection in schizophrenia using digital signals and brain data
This grant explores how smartphones, social networks, and brain imaging can reveal why Veterans with schizophrenia have trouble forming and maintaining relationships, with the goal of guiding better treatments.
-
Understanding how autism and schizophrenia risk genes affect brain development
Scientists are testing how mutations in certain autism and schizophrenia risk genes change brain cells and networks, using patient-derived cells and organoids.
-
Digital support to spread team-based schizophrenia care in primary care in India
A project to help frontline health workers in India use digital tools to provide coordinated schizophrenia care in primary care, with plans to inform care in the United States as well.
-
Digital support for shared-care of schizophrenia in primary care in India
A patient-friendly plan to bring evidence-based schizophrenia care to primary care in India using digital tools and trained frontline workers.
-
Digital support to scale Schizophrenia care in primary care in India
A nationwide effort to help primary care teams in India deliver better, more accessible schizophrenia care using digital tools and trained frontline workers.
-
How social isolation affects aging health in schizophrenia
This project explores how being socially isolated may speed up health problems as people with schizophrenia age.
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.