Investigating brain activity during cognitive tasks

Investigating Dynamic Interactions in Distributed Cognitive Control Networks

Observational University of Alabama at Birmingham · NCT05927974

This study is testing how brain activity changes during thinking and memory tasks in people who need surgery, to help find better treatments for cognitive issues like dementia and attention disorders.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham Academic / other
Locations1 site (Birmingham, Alabama)
Trial IDNCT05927974 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to explore brain activity associated with cognitive tasks such as thinking, reasoning, and remembering to enhance understanding of cognitive impairments like dementia and attention deficit disorders. Participants, who are surgical candidates for intracranial monitoring, will have electrodes placed in their brains to record neural activity while performing various cognitive tasks. The study will also utilize additional sensors to monitor movements and other physiological responses without impacting clinical care. The goal is to identify changes in brain activity that could inform better treatment strategies for cognitive impairments.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who have been diagnosed with medically-refractory epilepsy and are eligible for surgery.

Not a fit: Patients who are unable to provide informed consent or have major medical complications may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for cognitive impairments and related conditions.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar studies investigating brain activity during cognitive tasks have shown promise in understanding cognitive impairments.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Eligible for surgery based on multi-disciplinary consensus review
* Have a diagnosis of medically-refractory epilepsy
* A minimum of 18 years of age
* Willingness to participate in the paradigms described in the protocol

Exclusion Criteria:

* Inability to provide full and informed consent
* Age younger than 18
* Are not physically able to participate in study-related activities
* Major medical or surgical complication

Where this trial is running

Birmingham, Alabama

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Cognitive ImpairmentDementiaADDDepressionCognitive tasksEpilepsyIntracranial EEG
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.