Using cerebellum-targeted brain stimulation to improve thinking in psychosis
Cerebellar Modulation of Cognition in Psychosis
Testing whether noninvasive brain stimulation of the cerebellum can help thinking and memory in people with psychotic illnesses like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11242026 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would receive noninvasive transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) aimed at the cerebellum and have repeated brain scans (fMRI) and tests of memory, attention, and other thinking skills over time. The team focuses on specific cerebellar–cortical circuits that earlier imaging work linked to cognitive problems in psychosis. By combining stimulation with longitudinal imaging, they aim to change those circuits and see whether your thinking improves along with the brain measures. Visits for stimulation and scans would take place at the medical center over multiple sessions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder with psychosis who have ongoing cognitive difficulties and can travel to Boston for repeated TMS and MRI visits.
Not a fit: People without psychosis, those whose main symptoms are mood only without cognitive impairment, or anyone with contraindications to TMS/MRI (for example certain implanted devices, active seizures, or pregnancy) are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve cognition and daily functioning for people with psychotic disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Imaging studies have linked cerebellar connectivity to cognition and small TMS trials show promise, but larger causal trials using targeted cerebellar stimulation remain relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brady, Roscoe O. — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Brady, Roscoe O.
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.