How people with amnesia learn new facts
Official title: New Semantic Learning in Patients With Selective Brain Lesions in Temporal Regions: a Behavioural and MRI Study
Run by University Hospital, Toulouse · NCT07191197 · Data updated 2026-11-12
The researchers will try to see if people with amnesia from medial temporal lobe damage can learn new facts using memory tasks and MRI scans.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 150 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Toulouse Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Caen and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 8, 2026 |
| Main results expected | January 31, 2030 |
| Study ends | January 31, 2030 |
| Registry record updated | May 8, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07191197 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18–70 with bilateral medial temporal lobe (hippocampal system) damage from non-degenerative causes who understand French, are affiliated with French social security, can consent, and can undergo MRI.
✕Probably not a fit
People with degenerative memory disorders, those with MRI contraindications, those who cannot understand French or lack French social security affiliation, or those outside the 18–70 age range are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This project will recruit a large group of adults with major memory impairment caused by non-degenerative bilateral medial temporal lobe lesions. Participants will undergo detailed psychometric memory testing alongside structural and functional MRI to map the brain networks engaged during new learning. The study will compare individuals who successfully acquire new semantic information with those who do not to identify clinical and cognitive predictors of learning. Results aim to clarify which preserved cognitive systems and brain regions support new learning and to guide cognitive rehabilitation strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to practical teaching methods and brain-based targets that help people with amnesia learn everyday facts more effectively.
How similar studies have gone: Prior case reports have shown that some people with amnesia can learn new semantic information using preserved cognitive systems, but large-group combined psychometric and neuroimaging studies are relatively uncommon.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients aged between 18 and 70 years * Living in France since less than 20 years, being able to understand the French language, and have basic cultural knowledge as evaluated in classical clinical consultation * Written agreement to participate in the study * Intellectual capacities compatible with the cognitive tasks and signing of consent * Affiliation to the French social security system * For patients: bilateral brain lesion of the medial temporal lobe or the extended hippocampal system Exclusion Criteria: * Subjects under the age of 18 or over 70 * Contraindications for MRI (examples: wearers of a pacemaker or cardiac defibrillator, implanted equipment activated by an electrical, magnetic or mechanical system, wearers of haemostatic clips for intracerebral aneurysms or carotid arteries, wearers of orthopedic implants, claustrophobic) * Refusal to be informed of an anomaly detected during the MRI
Where it's running
-
University Hospital of Toulouse
Toulouse, France Recruiting -
University Hospital of Caen
Caen, France Active not recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jérémie PARIENTE, MD + PHD
- Email: pariente.j@chu-toulouse.fr
- Phone: 05 61 77 94 88
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.