Using cerebellum-targeted brain stimulation to improve thinking in psychosis
Official title: Cerebellar Modulation of Cognition in Psychosis
Funded at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center · NIH-11242026 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | January 7, 2019 |
| Project end | October 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $827,269 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH116170-08 |
| Project ID | NIH-11242026 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder with psychosis who have ongoing cognitive difficulties and can travel to Boston for repeated TMS and MRI visits.
✕Less likely to help
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.
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.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve cognition and daily functioning for people with psychotic disorders.
How similar studies have gone: 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
-
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.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Social thinking tests for teens and young adults at risk for psychosis
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How the cerebellum affects thinking in people with psychosis
This study is looking at how a part of the brain called the cerebellum affects thinking problems in people with conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and it hopes to find ways to improve these thinking skills using safe brain stimulation techniques.
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Improving cognition and motivation in early psychosis treatment
This study is looking to improve support for people dealing with early psychosis by using special care teams in Minnesota, focusing on personalized feedback and a mobile program to help with thinking and motivation over 12 weeks.
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Understanding how brain function affects social thinking in early psychosis
This study is looking at how the brain works when it comes to understanding other people's thoughts and feelings in people who are having their first episode of psychosis, and it hopes to find ways to help improve social skills and quality of life for them.
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.