Understanding and enhancing memory during sleep
Decoding and Selective Modulation of Human Memory During Awake/Sleep Cycles
This study is trying to see how sleep affects memory by recording brain activity in people with epilepsy and using sounds and electrical signals to see if they can improve memory.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 150 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of California, Los Angeles Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Los Angeles, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT05452122 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project aims to explore how memory processes and consolidation occur during sleep by directly recording brain activity from patients with epilepsy. The study will utilize auditory and electrical stimulation during sleep to investigate their effects on memory modulation. By analyzing single neurons and localized neuronal assemblies, researchers hope to uncover neural features associated with episodic experiences. The findings could provide insights into the mechanisms of memory consolidation and potential therapeutic approaches.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are epilepsy patients aged 18 to 65 who require depth electrode placement for clinical reasons.
Not a fit: Patients with neurological or psychiatric conditions other than epilepsy may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to new methods for enhancing memory retention and learning through targeted stimulation during sleep.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using direct brain recordings and stimulation during sleep is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in understanding memory processes.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * All epilepsy patients between the ages of 18 and 65 who undergo depth electrode placement for clinical purposes * Eligibility is determined by the epilepsy surgery team (based on neuropsychological testing and on psychiatric evaluation) * Willing to provide informed consent and participate the study Exclusion Criteria: * Neurological or psychiatric issues, other than epilepsy, that would put the patient at risk * Patient is younger than 18 or older than 65 years of age * Unwilling to provide informed consent
Where this trial is running
Los Angeles, California
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, California, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Andreina Hampton
- Email: amhampton@mednet.ucla.edu
- Phone: 3236105293
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.